Endings are hard. In games, they’re even harder—because players don’t just watch the story unfold, they shape it. A great ending needs to reward that investment, tie up narrative threads, and leave a lasting emotional mark.

The Ingredients of a Memorable Ending

• Narrative payoff: Major themes and choices must reach a meaningful conclusion.
• Player agency: Especially in RPGs and narrative-driven games, the ending should reflect your actions.
• Emotional resolution: Whether it’s joy, sadness, or awe—great endings evoke strong feelings.
• Post-credits reflection: Sometimes a few lines of epilogue, or one last silent shot, says more than a cutscene.

Types of Endings

• Single definitive ending (The Last of Us) – Focused, powerful, often cinematic.
• Multiple endings (Mass Effect, Undertale) – Based on decisions, morality, or paths taken.
• Ambiguous or open-ended (Inside, Limbo) – Leave interpretation to the player.
• Fake-outs or loops (NieR: Automata, Stanley Parable) – Designed to surprise or challenge assumptions.

Why Good Endings Matter

The final moments of a game often shape how we remember the entire experience. A weak ending can undermine 30+ hours of engagement, while a powerful one can elevate everything that came before it.