Narrative interface design: The use of interface elements to enhance the narrative experience in videogames

This thesis examines the phenomenon of the player switching between story experience and game flow in the process of gameplay. It considers whether and how the design of the interface can reduce player oscillation between the enjoyment of story and the pleasurable flow of effective gameplay. The research argues that the awareness of oscillation can be reduced through the incorporation of narrative content and sensibility into the design of game interfaces; a number of narrativization design strategies are identified to support the argument. Using the research method of case studies, this thesis studies several game examples that utilize the identified design strategies to achieve unique gaming experiences, reducing the awareness of oscillation between the narrative experience of story and the awareness of the interactive process of gameplay.