Storytelling and Literacy in Gaming
Ah, libraries. The smell of books, the quiet hum of people diving into new worlds, and—wait, what’s that? A group of adventurers rolling dice at a table? Someone debating their next dialogue choice in a video game? Yep, you’re not imagining things—libraries are embracing gaming, and we’re here for it.
This National Library Week, let’s talk about how games are just another form of storytelling, why gaming is secretly making us all better readers, and how libraries (aka the best places on Earth) are getting in on the action.
These games offer fresh perspectives, innovative mechanics, and storytelling approaches that might just revolutionize your gaming table. Whether you're new to TTRPGs or a seasoned player looking for something different, there's something on this list for everyone.
Gaming: The Next Chapter in Storytelling
Storytelling isn’t just found in books—it’s in everything. That intense Dungeons & Dragons campaign you’ve been playing for months? A giant, interactive novel. The latest RPG with 42 possible endings? It’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure book on steroids. Even your favorite board game probably has a story built into it (yes, Betrayal at House on the Hill, we’re looking at you).
Some of the best storytelling in games:
Dungeons & Dragons (and all TTRPGs): You’re literally co-writing a novel with your friends in real-time.
Choose-your-own-adventure video games (Dragon Age, Life is Strange, The Witcher—so many feelings, so many choices).
Board games with deep lore (Arkham Horror, Gloomhaven, Fog of Love—for when you want stories and strategy).
Games Make You Smarter
You better believe it. While you’re out there making dramatic character choices, reading epic backstories, and navigating complex game mechanics, your brain is working overtime.
Gaming helps with:
📖 Reading comprehension – Rulebooks, lore, dialogue trees—reading is everywhere in games.
✍️ Creative writing – Every character backstory, game journal, and homebrew world is a chance to flex your storytelling muscles.
🎭 Verbal storytelling – TTRPGs? Basically improv theater with dice.
🧠 Critical thinking & problem-solving – Ever tried to talk your way out of a fight in Mass Effect? That’s next-level strategy.
And guess who’s noticed? Libraries!
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Why Libraries and Gaming Are a Perfect Match
Libraries are embracing gaming, and it’s a beautiful thing. More and more, you’ll find D&D nights, board game collections, video game tournaments, and game design workshops at your local library. Some even let you check out RPG rulebooks—because librarians are just that cool.
Here’s how you can get in on the action:
🎲 Find a library gaming event – Board game nights, TTRPG one-shots, game clubs—libraries are hosting it all.
📚 Check out a book on game design or storytelling (The Kobold Guide to Game Design is a solid pick).
📝 Write your own choose-your-own-adventure story – Bonus points if it’s about a chaotic bard with a caffeine addiction.
📢 Tell your library to embrace gaming! – If they don’t already, let’s make it happen.
At Super Heroines, Etc., we believe stories—whether in books, games, or fandom spaces—are how we connect, learn, and grow. So this National Library Week, let’s celebrate every way we tell stories, roll some dice, and maybe even find a new favorite game at the library.
What’s your favorite game that tells an amazing story? Join the discussion on Discord!
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