Executing solution for non-linear narrative structures in video games

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to make use of the video game medium to enhance storytelling by taking it to a new level, by asking what would happen if a game’s story would change its course of action during specific part of the narrative, and understanding the reasoning behind the lack of video games with such narrative structures. To answer these questions, initial research was conducted to understand the lack of video games of such a nature from a developer’s perspective, which is possibly due to the amount of resources required to produce such a game usually requiring a higher workload for the development teams than what is expected of a video game with a more linear narrative structure. This was then followed up with the planning and creation of a video game prototype where the different routes in which the narrative could be taken were planned out accordingly. Afterwards, the game design perspective was approached by making use of certain strategies which were conceptualised both through the research as well as from prior development experience and observation of other similar games in order to address the aforementioned issues and demonstrate through practise that the idea could be approached in an effective and efficient manner, yet still deliver on a quality product.