How Choice Influences Replay-Value of Narrative-Driven Video Games

Abstract

Choice is an important factor in video games. Narrative driven games continuously offer choices to the player in different ways. Through narrative decisions, gameplay style and character creation players get encouraged to make an array of choices. These choices increase the replay value of games.

This study aimed to deconstruct the structure of narrative driven games to properly examine how replay value can be increased by choice. Choices come in many forms; some offer more value to the player than others. Case studies of the three games: Detroit: Become Human (2018), Disco Elysium (2019) and Monster Prom (2018), examined how choice is implemented.

A quantitative survey was conducted in Spring 2022 to research the likes and dislikes of players in a wide range of age groups. The survey provided valuable information on the importance of choice to the player, and discovered which types of choice are more popular. It also showcased the likelihood of replay value from the players depending on the choices available in a video game.

Future research about replay value benefits companies and consumers alike. By adding replay value the consumer will be rewarded and the company can increase the satisfaction of its customers.