Games and Narrative: Theory and Practice

This book provides an introduction to and overview of game narratives, highlighting recent empirical findings, narrative design, social and cultural studies, new technologies, practices, and industry cases.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 347 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the dynamic realm of game narratives, offering a comprehensive introduction and overview of this rapidly evolving field. It presents fresh perspectives adopted by researchers and the industry, highlighting recent empirical findings that shed light on the nature of game narratives. The book is organized into four sections:

The first section explores narrative design and theory, providing a foundational understanding of the art and craft of creating compelling stories within games. It examines the principles of storytelling, character development, and world-building, and discusses the techniques used to engage players emotionally and intellectually.

The second section delves into social and cultural studies on game narratives, examining the ways in which games reflect and influence society. It explores the impact of game narratives on players' beliefs, values, and attitudes, and investigates the ways in which games can be used as tools for social change and education.

The third section focuses on new technologies and approaches for game narrative development. It explores emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling, and discusses the ways in which these technologies can enhance the immersive and interactive nature of game narratives.

The fourth section presents practices and case studies, showcasing real-world examples of successful game narratives. It includes case studies of popular games such as "The Last of Us," "Grand Theft Auto," and "The Witcher," as well as interviews with industry professionals who have contributed to the development of game narratives.

In the final section, the book provides industry cases from professionals working in the game industry. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by game developers in creating compelling and effective game narratives, and provides valuable advice for those aspiring to work in the field.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in game narratives, whether they are players, researchers, developers, or industry professionals. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of the field, offering insights into the latest perspectives, empirical findings, and practical applications.

Weight: 551g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030815400
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022