(a) exposition; (b) cutscenes; or (c) a combination of the above.
That's the kind of thing that book I recced attacks... it's wonderful, too. Most of that is the problem that there are few writer/designers out there (which means I get to keep a job! XD). Usually a writer is hired in, and they think from whatever media they are comfortable with, or the design team decides to write, but they're mostly programmers.
Mind you, non-linear exposition-hiding storytelling is ridiculously difficult. Mission-basing stuff is the best I've managed. XD
Re: I will try to address your points in order!
That's the kind of thing that book I recced attacks... it's wonderful, too. Most of that is the problem that there are few writer/designers out there (which means I get to keep a job! XD). Usually a writer is hired in, and they think from whatever media they are comfortable with, or the design team decides to write, but they're mostly programmers.
Mind you, non-linear exposition-hiding storytelling is ridiculously difficult. Mission-basing stuff is the best I've managed. XD
~Cendri