How to get player engaged in the story: investigation of different storytelling strategies in interactive video games

Abstract

The goal of my thesis is to explore different interactive storytelling strategies present in selected interactive video games. In particular, I want to investigate the strategies which produce cognitive and emotional effects on the user thus engaging them more in the plot line. In other words, I am interested in researching the ways in which interactive storytelling techniques get the user's heightened attention and engagement. Insight of this topic will be conducted by analysis of interactive storytelling methods through history and how those methods were implemented by the artists. Consequently we will also provide some insight on how those storytelling methods changed reception of the medium by audience. It is vital part of the topic of storytelling strategies, as connection between world created by the artist and audience is core element of creating engaging story. Usage of these different interactive storytelling strategies will be extremely important for practical part of my diploma project, which aims to create trailer for an indie game - Francos Escape. Main focus of this project will be offering different dialogue paths and cognitive gameplay for the user.