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Narrative Game Mechanics

Published: 15 November 2016 Publication History

Abstract

This paper explores the notion of narrative game mechanics by apposing theories from the field of cognitive narratology with design theories on game mechanics. The paper aims to disclose how narrative game mechanics invite game agents, including the player, to perform actions that support the construction of engaging stories and fictional worlds in the embodied mind of the player. The theoretical argument is supported by three case studies. The paper discusses examples of games that employ mechanics and rules to create engaging story events, focusing on: building tension through spatial conflict, evoking empathy through characterization and creating moral dilemmas through player choices.

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Cited By

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  • (2024)Stories with Style: Narrative Virtual and Imaginary Spaces of Reading Fiction in Virtual RealityProceedings of the International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Multimedia10.1145/3701571.3701601(36-50)Online publication date: 1-Dec-2024
  • (2022)Resources for Comparative Analysis of IDN Authoring ToolsInteractive Storytelling10.1007/978-3-031-22298-6_33(513-528)Online publication date: 4-Dec-2022
  • (2022)Intersubjective Pivots in Interactive Digital Narrative Design LearningInteractive Storytelling10.1007/978-3-031-22298-6_22(366-382)Online publication date: 4-Dec-2022
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Published In

cover image Guide Proceedings
Interactive Storytelling: 9th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling, ICIDS 2016, Los Angeles, CA, USA, November 15–18, 2016, Proceedings
Nov 2016
472 pages
ISBN:978-3-319-48278-1
DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-48279-8
  • Editors:
  • Frank Nack,
  • Andrew S. Gordon

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Springer-Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg

Publication History

Published: 15 November 2016

Author Tags

  1. Interactive narrative design
  2. Narrative game design
  3. Environmental storytelling
  4. Game analysis
  5. Design research
  6. Design education

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