Doing Part 7

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 I am currently finishing up my book chapter, ensuring to add references where applicable, and examples to bring what I am writing about into video game scenarios, whilst comparing with other forms of media.

Here is what I have so far:

The structure of a story is crucial to the success of a video game. Story Structure is the framework that game designers build their experience. An example of a simple story structure in gaming can be the setup of the game for the player, the progress and/or conflict of the game, and the resolution. In the gaming world, structure can be divided up into levels of the game as a means of the player to know when the game is progressing. The storyline or narrative of a game directly correlates with the structure of the story in a video game. In this chapter I will be discussing two major story structures seen in video games, as well as the inclusion of the player within the story structure, and the three-act structure basis of any game, movie, book, or plays.  

There are two major story structures commonly used in video games, Linear and Non-Linear structures. Linear structures have been commonplace among video games, whereas Non-Linear structures have become more popular in recent years. Linear structures are defined and in chronological order, where the player follows a one path throughout the game and its levels, reaching plot points and ultimately the end point. In comparison, a Non-Linear or branching structure is the opposite. There is no straight line of gaming, and the player is given the impression that they have a greater level of freedom of gameplay over the progression of the story. (Ip, 2010) Branching is significant in the contribution of interactive storytelling, which enhances players opportunities to influence the pace and path of gameplay and offers an ability to alter the order of events being triggered. (Ip, 2010)

One popular early Non-Linear game is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the 5th game in the Grand Theft Auto series, initially released in 2004. Whereas a more recent Non-Linear game is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, released 2017. Players have free reign to access all parts of the map once levels are completed, you can choose which tasks to do at any time, as well as being able to chat with characters and explore. In terms of similarities with other forms of media, Netflix's 2018 original black mirror is a Non-Linear interactive game that gives the viewer choice in terms of how the story may be executed, giving options to the viewer to choose at certain plot points, which trigger different outcomes for the viewer. 

Bibliography

Ip, B., 2010. Narrative Structures in computer and video games. In: Narrative Structures in computer and video games. s.l.:s.n.