Forms and Functions of Multimodal Storytelling in Story-based Video Games

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Aim of this work

1.2 Relevance of the analyses

1.3 Structure and method

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1 Working definitions

2.1.1 Working Definition of “Multimodal Storytelling”

2.1.2 Working Definition of “Story-based Video Games”

2.1.3 What is a “Visual Novel”?

2.2 Concepts used in this analysis

2.2.1 Religious Beliefs in Video Games

2.2.2 Ethics and Moral in Video Games

3. Analysis of The Elevator by Cyanide Tea

3.1 Overview

3.2 Form

3.3 Depiction of Religious Beliefs

4. Analysis of The Walking Dead by Telltale Games

4.1 Overview

4.2 Form

4.3 Ethics and Moral Functions

5. Conclusion

5.1 Summary

5.2 Résumé

5.3 Prospects

6. Works cited

Objectives and Research Focus

This thesis investigates how story-based video games employ multimodal storytelling techniques to convey complex narratives and influence the player's ethical and moral framework. It examines whether these interactive experiences can be evaluated as a form of literature and how they explore themes such as religion, mortality, and human conduct.

• Analysis of narrative forms and functions in story-based video games.
• Investigation into the portrayal of religious beliefs and their impact on player morality.
• Evaluation of ethical decision-making in interactive fiction through specific case studies.
• Exploration of video games as a legitimate medium for artistic and didactic expression.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter establishes the aim of the thesis, which is to analyze story-based video games as narrative literature, and outlines the relevance of video games as a medium for artistic expression.

2. Theoretical Framework: This section defines core terms such as "multimodal storytelling," "story-based video games," and "visual novel," while establishing the analytical concepts of religious and ethical representation in digital media.

3. Analysis of The Elevator by Cyanide Tea: An examination of the visual novel *The Elevator*, focusing on its formal structure and the psychological impact of religious fanaticism on the protagonist's own morality.

4. Analysis of The Walking Dead by Telltale Games: This chapter analyzes the adventure game *The Walking Dead*, focusing on how the episodic, decision-driven gameplay challenges the player with profound moral and ethical dilemmas.

5. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, confirming that video games can serve as a serious narrative medium that forces players to engage with their own values and moral boundaries.

6. Works cited: A comprehensive bibliography listing all academic sources and media references used throughout the thesis.

Keywords

Multimodal Storytelling, Story-based Video Games, Visual Novel, The Elevator, The Walking Dead, Interactive Fiction, Religious Beliefs, Ethics, Moral Functions, Character Development, Narrative Structure, Player Agency, Digital Literature, Game Design, Dystopian Fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis explores the narrative potential of story-based video games, specifically how they use multimodal channels to convey stories that can be compared to traditional literature.

What are the primary themes discussed?

The central themes are the depiction of religious beliefs, the moral and ethical functions of interactive choices, and the potential for video games to be considered an art form.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to analyze how different forms and functions in story-based games allow for the exploration of complex social and moral values, and whether these games can effectively influence player perspective.

Which scientific methods are employed?

The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, examining specific game mechanics, narrative structures, text passages, and player interaction data within two case studies.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body consists of two detailed case studies: one on the visual novel *The Elevator* and another on the adventure game *The Walking Dead*.

How are these games characterized by keywords?

The work is characterized by terms such as interactive fiction, multimodal storytelling, moral agency, and narrative game design.

How does the game *The Elevator* address religious themes?

It uses a fictional deity, Ashura, to explore the psychological power of self-assurance and justification in the context of criminal behavior and fanaticism.

How do ethical dilemmas function in *The Walking Dead*?

The game presents players with "dramatic dilemmas" that force them to compromise their own ethical standards in a post-apocalyptic setting, emphasizing that there are often no perfect solutions.

What conclusion does the author draw about the future of such games?

The author predicts that as narrative technology and character customization improve, story-based video games will become even more immersive and unique, further cementing their status as a significant narrative medium.