Beyond cutscenes: a critical analysis of digital storytelling in video games

Interactive media have become very present, with video games being an important tool in this process. This paper aims to analyze the main changes in this highly versatile medium to determine how the basic principles of narrative have been implemented to engage players in a completely different way. It examines methods of storytelling in games, emphasizing the interaction between the construction of the narrative and the player. This work looks at the mechanics and considers the rules of narrative design that create an experience that is memorable. This refers to the benefits of immersive worlds that are central to player participation, as well as character identification strategies. It then deconstructs some attributes of the game, such as plot, scenario and pacing. The impact of the game is not limited to the development studio that produced it. The thesis aims to demonstrate changes in game dynamics that have evolved from the role of the player as a passive consumer to a cooperative producers. It considers how players communicate with the game through art, streams, and even fanfiction, making this research relevant to understanding a player’s perspective on the story. In addition, data analysis, early access programs and crowdfunding show that the role of the player in decision-making is increasingly becoming a crucial factor for game makers. In this thesis, narrative transformation is identified as a crucial feature of video games. By using core principles of storytelling and modifying them for games, developers have been able to create environments that engage players and help them connect on an emotional level, giving them the opportunity to create their own stories. For this reason, the narrative video games of the future will be even more captivating and revolutionary, even as technology advances and players become more sophisticated.