Narrative Mechanics - Strategies and Meanings in Games and Real Life

Stories in games and political narratives have many similarities, such as their use as mechanisms for meaning and manipulation. This book explores how narrative strategies are increasingly used in politics and social life, taking on various forms such as texts, recipes, stories, dramas, movies, videos, tweets, and journeys of heroes. However, beneath their surface, narrative mechanics are a specific type of motivational design, or game mechanics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This book explores the fascinating relationship between stories in games and political narratives, shedding light on the powerful mechanisms of meaning and manipulation that these narratives employ. It reveals that the narrative techniques that are readily identifiable in the world of games are increasingly being utilized (and sometimes misused) in politics and social life. These narratives manifest in diverse forms, including texts, recipes, stories, dramas with three acts, movies, videos, tweets, heroic journeys, and even societal narratives such as rags-to-riches stories, the concept of modernity, or the market economy. While these narratives may appear different on the surface, they share a common underlying essence: they are all motivated designs, specifically game mechanics.

By delving into the intricate details of narrative mechanics, this book uncovers the ways in which they shape our perceptions, influence our decisions, and ultimately drive our actions. It demonstrates how narratives can be used to convey messages, promote ideologies, and manipulate public opinion, and how they can be employed to achieve specific political goals or social outcomes. Moreover, the book offers valuable insights into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of narrative in these contexts, highlighting the potential risks and unintended consequences of employing narrative as a tool of influence.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between stories in games and political narratives, offering a rich and insightful perspective on the power of narrative in shaping our world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of communication, persuasion, and power, as well as for those who seek to understand the role of narrative in shaping our collective narrative.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837653458