Choice and the illusion of it in narrative-driven video games
Kiander, Verna (2019)
Kiander, Verna
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905017034
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905017034
Tiivistelmä
Choices in video games are a rising trend and the balance between meaningful choice and the illusion of choice has been executed with varying levels of success in existing game titles. The thesis studied the topic through research, case studies and qualitative research through a survey. The survey helped provide data about how players understand and feel about the illusion of choice. The case studies focused on how choice had been implemented in the chosen game titles.
The objective of this thesis was to provide comprehensive information about how choice and the illusion of it can be done and what core benefits and risks it can present. A secondary goal was to find out how the illusion of choice is understood and felt by players. The question, how and why the illusion of choice is used in video games, was explored and the hypothesis that players dislike the illusion of choice and so it needs to be used thoughtfully was challenged.
The study showed that meaningful choice, although desired by players, is not always the best option. From the point of view of game development, it can be expensive, and it is difficult to execute successfully. Therefore, the illusion of choice can be a useful tool that can be used in both the narrative and the gameplay. The illusion of choice is relatively well understood, and the hypothesis is partly disproved, players do not on average appear to dislike the illusion of choice. However, case studies show that it should be used thoughtfully.
The objective of this thesis was to provide comprehensive information about how choice and the illusion of it can be done and what core benefits and risks it can present. A secondary goal was to find out how the illusion of choice is understood and felt by players. The question, how and why the illusion of choice is used in video games, was explored and the hypothesis that players dislike the illusion of choice and so it needs to be used thoughtfully was challenged.
The study showed that meaningful choice, although desired by players, is not always the best option. From the point of view of game development, it can be expensive, and it is difficult to execute successfully. Therefore, the illusion of choice can be a useful tool that can be used in both the narrative and the gameplay. The illusion of choice is relatively well understood, and the hypothesis is partly disproved, players do not on average appear to dislike the illusion of choice. However, case studies show that it should be used thoughtfully.