Gavin Stewart

Capturing and Enlivening Narratives of Loss and Grief Through Narrative Design Techniques

Synopsis

This project will explore how to effectively capture and enliven narratives of loss and grief in a game, using narrative design techniques. I will identify key techniques and theory, aiming to implement them into the design of my short game - a first person narrative focused game dealing with the impact of dementia. The main question driving my research is 鈥渉ow can narratives successfully capture themes of loss and grief in a meaningful and engaging way?鈥� I believe that 鈥渕eaningful鈥� and 鈥渆ngaging鈥� encapsulate the concept of 鈥渆nlivening鈥� these narratives, and involve creating an experience that players connect with, engage with and ultimately feel moved by. I also aim to 鈥渆xplore how interactive narratives and gameplay elements can be used to further enliven the narrative鈥�. I will therefore critically evaluate theory and works in a similar vein to my own.

Project info

Developer Gavin Stewart
Showcase year 2023
Programme Game Design and Production

Capturing and Enlivening Narratives of Loss and Grief Through Narrative Design Techniques

This project will explore how to capture and enliven narratives of loss and grief, using narrative design techniques. I will implement these techniques in my first-person narrative focused game.

Credits

'Capturing and Enlivening Narratives of Loss and Grief Through Narrative Design Techniques' is a 2023 Digital Graduate Show project by Gavin Stewart, a Games Design and Production student at Abertay University.

Project Motivation

I have always been drawn to emotional, meaningful and impactful stories in films, books and games. I wanted to see how I could use the unique elements of games to tap into these aspects that I am drawn to, and in a sense try to make a game that I would want to play.