The Role of Uncertainty in Game Design and Player Engagement

Abstract

This research examines the deep connection between players and creators in terms of game narrative and storyline, focusing on the uncertainty that arise within the author’s narrative intentions and player’s experience. This investigation challenges the traditional notion of authorship by showing that how players play a significant role in shaping the narrative. This paper focuses on analysing what elements in games can help creators design narrative effects that lead to misunderstandings by players, thereby encouraging the players to engage in independent speculation and storytelling. My project “Muguet Café” is a 3D puzzle game that prompts players to interpret the storyline through ambiguous narrative cues and obstacles. For example, the game design intentionally provides some obscure content that easily leads players to speculate which allows them to imagine the storyline. This process fully highlights the agency of the player, and as a creator, I have incorporated numerous ingenious designs and mechanisms into this game. This research will aid game developers in independently and skilfully designing game narratives.

Presenters

Yuhan Xiao
Student, Master's Degree, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

New Media, Technology and the Arts

KEYWORDS

Game design, Authorship, Game narrative, Storyline, Misunderstood, Possibilities, Relationship