Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best embodies the core principle of environmental storytelling?
Which of the following best embodies the core principle of environmental storytelling?
- Subtly conveying the narrative through the environment's design and elements. (correct)
- Creating a detailed backstory for each character within the environment.
- Explicitly stating the narrative through dialogue and exposition.
- Focusing on action sequences to drive the story forward.
How does environmental storytelling contribute to a player's immersion in a game?
How does environmental storytelling contribute to a player's immersion in a game?
- By overwhelming the player with excessive information, creating a sense of realism.
- By allowing players to interpret the environment, thus shaping their identity and connection to the narrative. (correct)
- By directly telling the player what their role and identity are within the game world.
- By providing a linear path with minimal interaction, ensuring focus on the main storyline.
In the context of environmental storytelling, what is the significance of 'mise-en-scène'?
In the context of environmental storytelling, what is the significance of 'mise-en-scène'?
- It is irrelevant as environmental storytelling focuses on player experience.
- It refers to the explicit instructions given to the player about how to interact with the environment.
- It has no use outside of films, but environmental storytelling is exclusively found in video games.
- It describes how the arrangement of props, background, and character placement contributes to the narrative's meaning. (correct)
Why is understanding the audience's prior knowledge and semiotic experience important in environmental storytelling?
Why is understanding the audience's prior knowledge and semiotic experience important in environmental storytelling?
What role do boundaries and limitations play in effective environmental storytelling?
What role do boundaries and limitations play in effective environmental storytelling?
How does the concept of a 'feedback loop' apply to environmental storytelling?
How does the concept of a 'feedback loop' apply to environmental storytelling?
According to the content, what is the relationship between player agency and environmental storytelling?
According to the content, what is the relationship between player agency and environmental storytelling?
How does environmental storytelling leverage a player's expectations?
How does environmental storytelling leverage a player's expectations?
What does it mean for narrative elements to 'have coherence' within environmental storytelling?
What does it mean for narrative elements to 'have coherence' within environmental storytelling?
How does environmental storytelling enhance the learning experience in group settings?
How does environmental storytelling enhance the learning experience in group settings?
Flashcards
Environmental Storytelling
Environmental Storytelling
Storytelling through the use of environment to convey a narrative.
Environment (Conceptual)
Environment (Conceptual)
A make-believe area that the player voluntarily enters, creating boundaries and limitations.
Mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene
All the narrative elements within the environment.
Benefits of Limitations
Benefits of Limitations
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Contextual Representation
Contextual Representation
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Identity Buy-In
Identity Buy-In
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Feedback Loop
Feedback Loop
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Active Engagement
Active Engagement
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Player Freedom
Player Freedom
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Study Notes
Environmental Storytelling
- Environmental storytelling is inherently minimalistic in conveying a narrative
- Using environmental storytelling in gamified group experiences can improve group narrative learning
Key Elements
- Subtlety is key, requiring player awareness and understanding
- Examples include Dark Souls, French cinema, Myst, The Witness, and Japanese cinema
Understanding the Environment
- An environment is a conceptual, make-believe place, similar to Huizinga’s Magic Circle
- It creates boundaries and limitations for the player
- As players populate the space, the narrative elements in the mise-en-scène provide context with purpose
- Player identity is shaped by the environment, allowing them to mold their own character based on limited information
Limitations, Boundaries and Context
- Boundaries and limitations guide players without feeling forced
- Specific placement of story elements influences player decisions based on experience and understanding
- Intentional placement makes decision-making meaningful
- Elements within the mise-en-scène must align with player understanding
- Context communicates information; if unfamiliar, information is lost
- Designers must understand their audience's semiotic experience
Blacksmith Shop Example
- A hammer and anvil symbol typically signifies a blacksmith shop in medieval fantasy
- If the audience is unfamiliar, provide guidance to understand the symbolism
- Showing a blacksmith at work helps align the symbol with its meaning
- This invisibly guides players, pushing them to connect and immerse within the world
Identity Buy-In
- Immersion is key, otherwise the environmental narrative is lost
- The environment should encourage players to adopt an appropriate identity
- A knight, rogue, or wizard identity works well in a medieval setting
- A Cyberpunk Marine identity would be inappropriate within a medieval semiotic domain
Feedback Loop
- Correct persona choices create a feedback loop, strengthening narrative buy-in
- The intent is to creates understandings and clarify possibilities in the environment.
- Established norms and practices define what is allowed or disallowed
History and Buy-In
- Subtle history, inhabitants, items, mood, and atmosphere immerse the player
- These aspects are visual, audial, intellectual, and emotional
- The blacksmith's presence and actions reinforce the setting
- Prior knowledge and familiar elements from popular culture enhance player expectations
Active Engagement and Coherence
- Environmental storytelling pushes active engagement
- Players problem-solve using experiences, expectations, and clues
- Players integrate perception and active problem-solving, building investment
Benefits
- Players become creative, using imagination to connect and understand the narrative
- Extra-narrative development expands beyond the creator's initial vision
- Group settings enhance extra-narrative through interactions among members
- Learning and memory are more lasting than passively received information
Immersion and Empowerment
- Immersion increases through player interaction with the environment
- Discoveries within the narrative grant fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment
- Players feel smart for uncovering secrets and figuring them out
- Narrative elements must be coherent and easily understood to avoid confusion
Effective Environmental Storytelling
- Players need freedom to choose, move, and decide within the world
- Curiosity, mystery, and surprise enhance the learning process
- Internalization occurs through understanding narrative aspects
- Avoid forcing the story, which leads to resistance
- Offering a group the chance to interact and discover together cements the experience far better than spoon-feeding
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