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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
Design Patterns for Silent Player Characters in Narrative-Driven Games
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
May 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7359
Abstract
The silent player character (SPC) is a reoccurring but vaguely understood type of player character in narrative-driven games. In this project, we present our findings from an analysis of SPC development in popular narrative games. We identify two main types of SPCs: expressive and projective characters. Based on a survey of related games, we synthesized a list of methods designers can use to effectively communicate a SPC's story. Then, we create a short narrative experience, featuring an expressive SPC, that is tested by players for story and character interpretation. Our results conclude that the design patterns developed within this study, used to communicate an expressive SPC, were largely successful in developing a pre-defined SPC who players were able to interpret as a character. All of the patterns were successful in impacting the interpretation of the SPC, as long as the information presented in the patterns is repetitive and clear.
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Details
- Title
- Design Patterns for Silent Player Characters in Narrative-Driven Games
- Creators
- Bria N. Mears - DU
- Contributors
- Jichen Zhu (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 61 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Digital Media; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 7359; 991014632568504721