Game Design Narrative for Learning: Appropriating Adventure Game Design Narrative Devices and Techniques for the Design of Interactive Learning Environments

Abstract

The purpose of this conceptual analysis is to investigate how contemporary video and computer games might inform instructional design by looking at how narrative devices and techniques support problem solving within complex, multimodal environments. Specifically, this analysis presents a brief overview of game genres and the role of narrative in popular adventure game design, along with an analysis of how narrative supports problem solving in adventure games. Additionally, an analysis of the underlying structure used in game design for developing narratives is presented along with design heuristics for constructing narratives for educational purposes.It is through narrative constructs that we frame and recount daily experiences in problem solving. Although narrative structure is often imposed on daily problem-solving encounters, within the field of instructional design, relatively little research has been conducted about the design of compelling narratives for the support of problem solving and other educational activities. One avenue worth exploring is contemporary game design and the use of narrative in adventure games to provide scaffolding and support problem solving. Game designers are well versed in devices and techniques for constructing compelling and engaging narratives that allow for immersion and agency, demand the participation of users, and yet also provide scaffolding for problem solving. Looking at how narrative supports problem solving within complex, multimodal spatial environments such as popular game design will

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