Applying John Dewey's Pragmatic Theory of Truth to Video Game Narrative Design

Abstract

Application of John Dewey's pragmatic theory of truth to video game narrative design investigated the dynamic interplay between player agency and meaning construction. The objectives were to find out how interactive storytelling practices support Deweyan inquiry through hypothesis formation, experience testing, ethical reflection and communal validation, and translate these insights into design recommendations. Using a qualitative research-based development approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants of a Detroit: Become Human Discord Server. Transcripts as well as field observations were thematically analysed using a deductive codebook derived from Deweyan principles (Active Inquiry, Pragmatic Duality, Ethical Engagement, Immersive Participation) and inductive themes (Emotional Resonance, Community Validation).

Results showed that all participants iteratively experimented with narrative choices (M = 3.6 approaches per decision point, SD = 1.1), distinguished formal game mechanics from personal meaning-making, and considered moral dilemmas (92% reporting regret or growth). Three quarters of players described prolonged immersive exploration supporting inquiry, and half sought peer validation of narrative constructions. From these findings, interactive narrative design guidelines were developed focusing on reversible decision mechanisms, clear feedback loops, ethically charged choice architecture, environmental storytelling cues, and integrated social features to support inquiry beyond the individual play.

It was concluded that video games function as pragmatic laboratories where truth is co-produced through player-driven inquiry, and that narrative systems enabling hypothesis testing, ethical engagement and social reflection can enhance player experience and impact of interactivity stories. Future work was suggested to explore longitudinal effects of inquiry across genres and AI-enabled dynamic narratives for real time experiential truth-making.