Expert writers on how to achieve narrative immersion in digital games

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the opportunities and challenges of writing narrative-driven digital games to foster a sense of narrative immersion. It does so by focusing on the experience of four expert writers, whose careers have spanned the modern video game era, and whose games have won awards and acclaim and sold in the millions. In their interviews, these game-writing pioneers describe some of the reasons that players play games, and convey their own struggles in writing for this medium. They suggest that those who wish to write high-quality, narrative-driven digital games should be well-versed in how to exploit a range of narrative elements, some of which are unique to games, while others have been present since storytelling began. They also stress the importance of understanding the complex interplay between narrative elements and game mechanics. Their suggestions underpin the development of several recommendations for the would-be digital game writer who seeks to foster a sense of narrative immersion for the player.