Story and game play

In my past research, I noted that RPG's were the most suited style if game play for a branching story line.

As a large part of my practice is story for games I have decided to use this style of game. This way the game can include a linear story line, with the option for side quests, secrets, extra items and areas in the game, that would 'fill out' the linear story line, and offer branching story lines, (similar to games that offer multiple endings on completing more of the game i.e. Silent Hill and Final Fantasy games) 

As you can see from the diagram, the player can progress through the game/story and be able to complete the game by following steps A to G in a basic, linear fashion, without the need for extensive exploration. However, the gameplay and branching story steps allow more playability to the game and offer extended story lines to the player. There is also a chance here for the player to receive multiple endings depending on the percentage of game completed!