A Continuous Evaluation of Narrative Intelligibility and a Photogrammetric Approach to Enhancing the Narrative Game Design in 'Mind Diver'
Authors
Johnsen, Andreas Havmøller ; Gaspar, Gabriel Henriksen
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2022
Abstract
This thesis examines whether continuous, in-game evaluation can provide useful insights into how clearly players understand the story in Mind Diver, a narrative-focused video game co-created by students from several universities. We introduce a qualitative method that interprets player comprehension by asking brief questions during play. These prompts collect real-time data on story understanding, as well as simple indicators such as Narrative Engagement (how absorbed players feel in the story) and Continuation Desire (how much they want to keep playing). In parallel, we study an artistic use of photogrammetry—a technique that builds 3D objects from photographs—and how deliberately embracing its imperfections influenced both gameplay and storytelling. We also review the production process to explain how this was achieved. Our results show that the in-game feedback tool helped locate points where players struggled to connect the story with the puzzles. The questions generally did not reduce narrative engagement. However, the ongoing need to respond felt intrusive and annoying for some players, while others appreciated the chance to pause and reflect on their choices. The artistic use of photogrammetry had a positive impact on the narrative experience. Choosing an iPad Pro 12 with the PolyCam app was practical for this case study due to convenient cloud processing. As an exploratory study, the findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution because reliability and validity are limited.
Denne afhandling undersøger, om løbende evaluering i selve spillet kan give brugbare indsigter i, hvor tydeligt spillerne forstår historien i Mind Diver, et historiedrevet videospil skabt i samarbejde mellem studerende fra flere universiteter. Vi introducerer en kvalitativ metode, der fortolker spilleres forståelse ved at stille korte spørgsmål undervejs i spillet. Disse spørgsmål indsamler data i realtid om, hvordan historien bliver forstået, samt simple mål som 'Narrative Engagement' (hvor opslugt man er af historien) og 'Continuation Desire' (hvor meget man har lyst til at fortsætte). Parallelt undersøger vi en kunstnerisk brug af fotogrammetri—en teknik, der laver 3D-objekter ud fra fotos—og hvordan bevidst brug af de medfølgende uperfektheder påvirkede både gameplay og fortælling. Vi gennemgår også produktionsprocessen for at vise, hvordan dette blev realiseret. Resultaterne viser, at værktøjet til feedback i spillet hjalp med at finde steder, hvor spillere havde svært ved at forbinde historien med gåderne. Spørgsmålene påvirkede generelt ikke engagementet i historien negativt. Samtidig fandt nogle det påtrængende og irriterende konstant at skulle svare, mens andre satte pris på pausen til at reflektere over deres valg. Den kunstneriske brug af fotogrammetri havde en positiv effekt på fortælleoplevelsen. Valget af en iPad Pro 12 med PolyCam var praktisk i denne case på grund af nem skybehandling. Som et eksplorativt studie bør fundene tolkes varsomt, da pålidelighed og validitet er begrænsede.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords