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Thesis Info
- LABS ID
- 00764
- Thesis Title
- Designing The Virtual Reality Narrative: Embodiment & The Ludonarrative Dissonance
- Author
- Stefan Palitov
- E-mail
- stefan AT palitov.com
- 2nd Author
- 3rd Author
- Degree
- Master of Arts in Media Arts Cultures
- Year
- 2018
- Number of Pages
- 104
- University
- Aalborg University, Media Arts Cultures Consortium
- Thesis Supervisor
- Prof. Morten Søndergaard
- Supervisor e-mail
- mortenson AT hum.aau.dk
- Other Supervisor(s)
- Prof. Palle Dahlstedt
- Language(s) of Thesis
- English
- Department / Discipline
- Media Arts Cultures
- Copyright Ownership
- Stefan Palitov
- Languages Familiar to Author
- English, Macedonian, Croatian, basic German & basic Czech
- URL where full thesis can be found
- projekter.aau.dk/projekter/en/studentthesis/designing-the-virtual-reality-narrative(4c788a4e-d6e2-4da6-beb7-e3e4fa3c135a).html
- Keywords
- virtual reality, extended reality, narratives, interactivity, user experience, ludology, ludonarrative dissonance, embodiment, presence, phenomenology, media art, virtual reality arcades, location-based entertainment
- Abstract: 200-500 words
- This thesis explores the relationship between the principles of embodiment and the interactive narrative design in the contemporary virtual reality format. The aim is to establish a baseline framework for the format specific narrative modalities of VR and how they build a unique first-person perspective experience. Furthermore, the exploration aims to reflect on the differences between interactive and non-interactive narratives, in order to outline the spectrum of VR experiences. This is compared to films, computer game narratives and interaction, as well as ludic experiences in general. The thesis continues to explore the conflict between the narrative and the game mechanics of computer games, known as the ludonarrative dissonance. Eventually, it is analyzed to which extent this concept is applicable for understanding the contemporary VR experience. The research approach is predominantly through a constructivist methodology. Additionally, the comparative methodology is present. Using these approaches the thesis navigates through an interdisciplinary topic that incorporates findings from the fields of psychology, philosophy, neurocognitive sciences, narratology, film studies, ludology, VR, game and user experience design. Case studies include critically acclaimed works from the contemporary Danish VR scene, experiences from the VR arcade VR ZONE Shinjuku in Tokyo, other relevant VR works and computer games. The views of creators, researchers and designers are also provided. The results of this thesis show a high level of interrelation between embodiment, presence, interactive and narrative design in VR. Furthermore, because of the inherent possibility for a conflict between the principles of VR embodiment and the affordances of the design, it is proposed to expand the traditional definition of the ludonarrative dissonance to a VR ludonarrative dissonance. Through analysis and comparison, it is observed how these principles are used to design engaging and successful VR experiences. The implications of these results shed light on possible developments of best practices in contemporary VR interaction and storytelling.