Finished Chapter and Reflections

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Today I finished my book chapter, including references, examples and a bibliography. It was a hard start as I wasn't sure which route I wanted to go down in terms of Story Structure, but in the end found two themes I wished too explore further in my writing. Overall I'm happy with how my chapter came out in the short time I managed to write it. If I could go back I would definitely research further into the mechanics of Story Structure, possibly add the origins of the three act structure etc. Below is my final chapter in full. 

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. 

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 episode Bandersnatch 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. 

In terms of player experience, stories connect audiences and aid human beings in their search for meaning. A good story within a game gives an experience of being alive. (Caldwell, 2017) Players ask questions such as “What does the character want?”, “How do they go about getting it?”  or “What are the consequences?” (Caldwell, 2017). These questions can be answered by the development of the story structure and plot. Whether it be drama based, action, adventure based etc. Story structure or narrative in games generates motivation, engagement, piques curiosity and creates a sense of challenge. (Masse, 2004) As well as driving plot points and setting up backstories. These characteristics of story structure create successful games and serves as the foundation to create a whole world within the game for the player. (Masse, 2004)

In conclusion, the use of story structure in video gaming is a crucial and important part of video game development. It sets up the whole game from start to finish, creating a guide for players to understand whether the game is linear or non-linear, interactive, or not. It is the framework that game designers use to build their experience, and it is ever evolving. 

Bibliography

Caldwell, C., 2017. Story Structure and Development. In: Story Structure and Development. s.l.:s.n.

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

Masse, C., 2004. Story for Learning and Gaming. In: Story for Learning and Gaming. s.l.:s.n.