Difference between a Story Simulator and a Walking Simulator?

     There are many distinct differences between the two and what value they have along with the heavy focus on narrative engagement; this is a key thing to answer. Bare in mind, both game genres have ways of leaning into one or the other more.

Walking simulators

Little to no story, little to no actual gameplay and the story not being compelling for how the character is driven forward; no thrust forward. The weight and action isn't driven by choice, by decision.

Story Simulator

Story simulators are driven by choice, decision and your actions have some weight that carry you forward; your actions are the story, the narrative weight mattering. A story simulator has you engaging with the story more than activities.

Examples of walking sims

Depression Quest.

Story Simulator examples

Standely Parable

Any visual novel game

Coffin of Andy and Lele

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