Video games are a medium that allows players to experience a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints. One of the key ways that this is achieved is through the use of different points of view, or POV, in the game. Like most storytelling there are three main POVs used in video games and while first-person and thrid-person are the most common we wondered is there a second-person?
First-Person
First-person video games place the player in the role of the main character, allowing them to experience the game world through the eyes of the character. This POV is often used in games that focus on immersion and realism, such as first-person shooters and survival horror games. Examples of first-person games include the “Halo”, “Half-Life” and “Call of Duty” series.
One of the main advantages of first-person games is the sense of immersion that they provide. Players feel as though they are truly in the game world, and can often become more invested in the story and characters as a result. Additionally, first-person games often allow for a greater degree of freedom of movement and interaction with the game world, as players can directly control the main character’s movements and actions.
Second-Person
Second-person video games, on the other hand, place the player in the role of an observer or participant in the game world, rather than controlling a specific character. This POV is often used in games that focus on interactive storytelling and choices, such as interactive fiction and visual novels. Examples of second-person games include games like “Her Story” and “The Stanley Parable”.
Some games that are built in first and third-person might have options or sections that are in second-person view, like seeing another character on the screen in multiplayer or changing your point of reference to a stick on the floating cloud character Lakitu in Super Mario 64.
One of the main advantages of second-person games is the sense of agency and ownership that they provide. Players feel as though they are directly influencing the game world and story, and can often become more invested in the outcome as a result. Additionally, second-person games often allow for a greater degree of player choice and branching storylines, as players can directly influence the direction of the story through their choices.
Third-Person
Third-person video games, the most common POV in video games, place the player in the role of an observer or participant in the game world, and the camera is placed behind the character. This POV is often used in games that focus on action and adventure, such as action-adventure and RPG games. Examples of third-person games include the “Uncharted”, “The Last of Us” and “The Legend of Zelda” series.
One of the main advantages of third-person games is the sense of detachment that they provide. Players can see the character they are controlling, but also see the surrounding environment, which can create a better sense of the game world. Additionally, third-person games often allow for a greater degree of player control and precision, as players can directly control the character’s movements and actions while also having a better view of the environment.
Each POV in video games has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of POV often depends on the goals and themes of the game. First-person games provide a sense of immersion, second-person games provide a sense of agency, and third-person games provide a sense of detachment. Whatever POV you choose, always keep in mind that it will greatly affect the player’s experience and enjoyment of the game.
