Minimalist Generative Game Narratives
Disciplines
Computer and Systems Architecture | Game Design | Human Factors Psychology | Interdisciplinary Arts and Media | Other Computer Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In recent years, we have seen a large proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in games, with more and more studios applying these techniques to design novel games, but also to offset costs associated with game development by automating the creation of in-game content. Unfortunately, many of these AI technologies are difficult to design for and implement, and with the increased proliferation of independent game developers there exists a need to identify accessible AI technologies that can be used for smaller games projects with minimal overhead. The Minimalist Generative Game Narratives (MGGN) project is aimed at identifying these specific technologies as they pertain to the creation of game narratives. The project uses a prototype-driven design science approach where we empirically test the impact of simplistic generative techniques. The MGGN project is aimed at producing design recommendations for how to use simpler generative techniques when designing and implementing games. To this end, the MGGN project is producing a collection of prototype games called The Dungeon Series. This collection of prototypes uses a naïve and simplistic approach to narrative generation, combined with varying forms of game design and presentational complexity, to explore the boundaries of how naïvely generated narratives can impact the player experience. The intended end result is to identify the boundaries of this generative technique, and in what ways we need to design around it to maintain a positive and engaging user experience from the perspectives of the sensory presentation, the game play, and the construction of the underlying data model. Furthermore, the project aims to provide guidance on how to evaluate the player experience of these types of games.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CCSE - Software Engineering and Game Development
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Henrik Warpefelt
Minimalist Generative Game Narratives
In recent years, we have seen a large proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in games, with more and more studios applying these techniques to design novel games, but also to offset costs associated with game development by automating the creation of in-game content. Unfortunately, many of these AI technologies are difficult to design for and implement, and with the increased proliferation of independent game developers there exists a need to identify accessible AI technologies that can be used for smaller games projects with minimal overhead. The Minimalist Generative Game Narratives (MGGN) project is aimed at identifying these specific technologies as they pertain to the creation of game narratives. The project uses a prototype-driven design science approach where we empirically test the impact of simplistic generative techniques. The MGGN project is aimed at producing design recommendations for how to use simpler generative techniques when designing and implementing games. To this end, the MGGN project is producing a collection of prototype games called The Dungeon Series. This collection of prototypes uses a naïve and simplistic approach to narrative generation, combined with varying forms of game design and presentational complexity, to explore the boundaries of how naïvely generated narratives can impact the player experience. The intended end result is to identify the boundaries of this generative technique, and in what ways we need to design around it to maintain a positive and engaging user experience from the perspectives of the sensory presentation, the game play, and the construction of the underlying data model. Furthermore, the project aims to provide guidance on how to evaluate the player experience of these types of games.