The case for character, or, what Destiny 2 can learn from fan fiction.

Ill miss the story that never was.

On Tuesday,Kotakureported a couple of big rumorsaboutDestiny 2.

D2is a completely different game, an anonymous source toldKotaku.

Should or shouldntDestiny 2allow the player to keep their original characters?

Should it have the same vendors and NPCs as the first game?

To what degree should it follow the same plot?

There are valid arguments for either continuing the current story or starting from scratch.

There are a lot of possibilities where this could work forDestiny, too.

The lore is full of stories about reality or perception being altered.

A time-jump could explain new social spaces or new characters.

Maybe the Traveler itself woke up or was attacked, and moved further out into the Solar System.

The Tower could fall in a world-shaking event likeWorld of WarcraftsCataclysm.

Why is it important to keep the same characters at all?

While thinking about this I was reminded of thispost on tumblr about emotional continuity.

Specifically, its about how fan fiction writers are good at it.

Tie-in authors do a great job of this key in of continuity, too.

His change in attitude and motivation illustrates how things have changed in general for the galaxy between games.

Fan fiction writers have something called fix-it fic, writing to repair something they think went wrong in canon.

WithDestiny 2, the developers are also trying to improve an already enjoyable story.

Within that work, emotional continuity is still key.

Look at the fan reaction to Cayde-6, for example.

People noticed when he was missing fromRise of Iron.

A common criticism was thatRise of Irondidnt have enough to do with the overarching story.

Familiar characters also help the game feel more immersive.

Its a basic thing thatDestinydoesnt always get right.

Connecting the sequels story with characters like Cayde would help solidifyDestinyas the nostalgic experienceRise of Ironwanted to be.

Continuing the established story in the sequel would also reinforceDestinys theme of hope.

It would portray resilient characters who survive and thrive, even through change.

There are so many stories that could be continued, both in terms of the Guardians and their enemies.

Ultimately, I hope thatDestinys story, one I enjoy very much, doesnt get a clean slate.

Ive spent a lot of time talking about howthe best lore inDestinyis hidden.

Megan Crouse is a staff writer.