Date of Submission
2-2021
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Jody Taylor
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Huw Warmsley-Evans
Second Associate Supervisor
Dr. Toby Wren
Keywords
Action Research; Alternative Reality Game; Game Design; Immersion; Narrative; Real-time; Visual Novel
Audience
Mature (M) - moderate impact language/themes, includes violence/nudity, not restricted to 15+
Abstract
The age of mobile connectivity affords uninterrupted access to mobile phones. While game developers have leveraged this phenomenon to create new game mechanics (such as stamina often which monetizes the acceleration of gameplay) narrative mobile game designers are yet to realise the creative potential of uninterrupted access. In response to this, this exegesis details the creation of The Stranger Next Door—a horror narrative set in the player’s realtime which simulates conversations and interactions via a replica social media platform.
This research document begins with a review of relevant literature, situating the game within the conventions of the horror genre and establishing the criteria for immersion. This is followed by a systematic breakdown of the project design and discussion of game testing methods. Through the use of an action research methodology that incorporates iterative loops within development, reflections on the design process revealed two major findings: First, strong diegetic immersion was achieved when players could interact with the game in real time, resulting in player metadata becoming less significant in simulation of real-world social media communication than assumed. Second, by creating a sense of temporal synchronicity between the world of the player and the gameworld, players accepted the removal of traditional affordances of player agency to control when gameplay occurs. The findings are significant in the context of narrative mobile game design signalling a new modality of mobile gameplay that simulates continuity between narrative and player temporality.
Sensitive handling note
6. Sensitive note other – free text.
Other sensitive handling material
Contains themes of horror and violence.
Recommended Citation
Daunt, F. (2021). The stranger next door: Enhancing horror narrative through real time progress and meta-data [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.