Mixing Story and Simulation in Interactive Narrative
Abstract
Simulation is a common feature in computer entertainment. However, in computer games, simulation and story are often kept distinct by interleaving periods of interactive play and cut scenes -- short noninteractive scenes that transition from one mission to the next, providing the player with goals and motivation for the next segment of game play. In this mode of alternating between game play and cut scenes, story elements and simulation are kept strictly separate. The authors describe a technique for an "Interactive Narrative" system that more closely integrates simulation and storyline. "Interactive Narrative" is an approach to interactive entertainment that enables the player to make decisions that directly affect the direction and/or outcome of the narrative experience being delivered by the computer system. The technique uses a combination of semi-autonomous character agents and high-level story direction. The storyline is decomposed into directives to character agents to achieve particular world states. Otherwise, character agents are allowed to behave autonomously. When the player's actions create inconsistency between the simulation state and storyline, the storyline is dynamically adapted and repaired to resolve any inconsistencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA459181
Entities
People
- Andrew Stern
- Don Dini
- Mark O. Riedl
Organizations
- University of Southern California