In a sense, we can consider video games to be the next generation of “short stories” we experience not in books, but through ourselves, by acting out and truly believing in the roles we play in a virtual world created as a stage for a series of events, where our actions and choices have consequences and meaning, where the story is not just being told to us – rather we are unfolding it right before our eyes.

As Shakespeare would put it, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” and this becomes true as video games become more engaging through storytelling. Call it a collective conscious, universal themes and archetypes which appear in our culture in the form of stories and character types in art, literature, music, film and now – video games.

We recognize and acknowledge the merits of storytelling in video game design. We have decided that since the people are changing and the medium in which stories are being told is constantly advancing, that together we must also constantly advance the stories we tell.

THUNDER presents an engaging story for the players to act upon, to become immersed in as their actions and their choices affect the world around them – the same world viewed by the other player characters.  Now, the story just doesn’t evolve for the individual, rather for the entire community, every minor and major change that the players achieve will have an effect on everyone, just like the real world, as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Most MMOs fabricate this; their world isn’t altered or controlled by their players, rather it resets for the next player. They simply build the game to present the illusion of a functional economy, a living environment, and that the player’s choices and achievements rarely affect the game world much at all, most of the time, the changes are only true to the individual player in the moment.

THUNDER’s story follows the game, it never interrupts it. The story’s progression begins here in open social blogs where the general public can discuss the story and all its detail to offer input and strengthen their understanding of the game world. As the players become immersed into this virtual evolving world as real inhabitants in an exciting story where they just don’t win or lose, they make history and record their epic legacy.

Thrilling short stories invites thrilling gameplay, even more so as the player becomes intimately involved in the story’s progression. Video games have become just as much a part of our modern culture as movies have, rivaling it in popularity and far exceeding it in sales and revenue; in large part because of exciting stories and plots presented.  In movies, the story makes everything a compelling story with characters worth knowing and plots worth following.  Video games combine what we love about movies into an interactive and graphically attractive medium, packaged with a friendly interface that is even more immersive and even more engaging than the big screen.

Without the elements of a thrilling story, beautiful graphics and moving soundtracks a game would not be what our full game experience demands.

“They are fun.” says Asiri Haven, a 21 year old female gamer from North Carolina who has been actively playing video games for as long as she can remember. “I started playing games because I was a hyper child, so my grandmother gave me a little video-poker game and I put all my energy into that.” When asked why she enjoys video gaming, she states, “It’s like escaping reality into another world without having to read a million words to do it.”

Though she states that she still enjoys reading when she can find the time, it’s the same story for many gamers of all ages and gender, the near instant enjoyment of immersion into another world besides our own, all to escape the everyday stress and grind from school, work, or just life itself.

It’s experienced and life-long gamers like Asiri who have seen and played the latest video games out there who really understand what’s going on in the market, “A lot of games are replaying the same scenarios, just in different formats.”

Perhaps it’s time for a change, a unique approach to the games we play together. I’m excited to see the reaction from players like Asiri when they engage in the refreshing story, interaction, style and gameplay that we will demonstrate in the IMU Studios game: THUNDER!

“We often tend to think of video games as a male-only hobby for whatever reason” says Derek Ellingson, a 25 year old male gamer in South Dakota who spends much of his free time playing Gears of War over the Xbox Live network.  Whereas male players tend to have a “Let’s do it!” attitude of aggression, Derek notices that female players actually tend to use more common sense and thought in their gameplay, tending to practice better strategy and patience – “Which I dig” he adds. “Play smarter, not harder.”

Then there is a question of attitude, does having a female presence in a game change how the male players feel in the game? “Honestly, if any guy would say no to this, he is lying.” Derek keeps point and preaches, “Hell yes it does – I’m sure a lot of women prepare themselves for a verbal onslaught they may receive from 13-year old adolescence boys who play games based on sex appeal and violence.”

Though the video gaming world is being tailored to both genders, it’s still clear that women still receive comments from less open-minded players, but the fact of the matter is this: Women do play, they are here to stay, and prove to be just as zealous players as the boys.

Hey gamers, looking for a better gaming experience?

IMU Studios is currently developing a revolutionary new first-person action hybrid video game we call “THUNDER” – but what about THUNDER is so different and amazing?

My name is Dustin Cartwright and I am a Writer, Assistant Game Designer and the Directing Assistant for IMU Studios.  If you are reading this, you are most likely wondering what this “big sound” is all about. Well, if you love FPS games, or you are an avid MMO player, then the news you are about to hear will most certainly be a ‘big boom’ for you.

Speaking personally, I first started working with Team IMU April 5^th 2010.  I didn’t know what to think at first when the Executive Creative Director, Robert Strutin, let me in on the complete grand design for THUNDER.  I originally thought it was going to be a typical FPS with average gameplay and with an ordinary story. However, what I experienced was beyond anything I could ever imagine, and I was completely sold, eager to see THUNDER in the market, excited to see such a refreshing and empowering video game experience taking place, I knew it was the start of something big, something fresh, and something that may certainly change the way we play and think about online games.

Imagine a game that combines the fast-paced intensity, team work, strategy and competition you love about first-person shooters, with an in-depth story, beautiful environments, a glorious driving soundtrack featuring all original music, and openly tradable virtual goods markets, along with the social community of MMOs – a game where your achievements are acknowledged and you are rewarded for it. It is the successful combination of these traits that makes “THUNDER” the sound of something you’ll want to play.

Join us as THUNDER rolls in and earn your place, title and legacy in what I’ve come to believe is the future of online gaming.

Stay in touch with game developments and future blogs by liking our Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/IMUstudios

Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/IMUstudios

And by signing up for THUNDER game testing at our website at: http://www.IMUstudios.com

Check back here for updates!

Until then, keep your skills sharp, so when you hear THUNDER rolling in, you’ll know it’s the sound of something big approaching.

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