Environmental Storytelling Strategies in Digital Environments: A Qualitative Comparison

Abstract

Environmental storytelling is the use of designed space to convey narrative to an audience, rather than primarily through the use of characters or dialogue. The broader goal of this thesis was to understand how environmental storytelling strategies are used across existing platforms, and to explore the ongoing relationship between environmental design and narrative. The first objective of this thesis was to analyze environmental storytelling strategies in current video game environments. This was accomplished via a content analysis method developed by Henry Jenkins. The second objective of this thesis was to explore the implementation of embedded narrative strategies in the design of digital spaces. This was accomplished through the creation of multiple 3D environments based on the findings of the content analysis. This work represents a first step towards developing guidelines for the thematic use of environments in interactive storytelling.