DO MODERN STORIES NEED INTERACTIVITY? A COMPARISON OF STORYTELLING METHODS IN MEDIA by Josiah T Lebowitz A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science University of Advancing Technology December 2009 © Josiah Lebowitz, 2009 DO MODERN STORIES NEED INTERACTIVITY? A COMPARISON OF STORYTELLING METHODS IN MEDIA by Josiah T Lebowitz has been approved December 2009 APPROVED: KATHLEEN DUNLEY, Ph.D., Chair MICHAEL EILERS, Advisor KEN ADAMS, Advisor ACCEPTED AND SIGNED: __________________________________________ KATHLEEN DUNLEY, Ph.D. Abstract As interactive player-driven stories gain popularity, some believe that they will overshadow more traditional linear stories. To test that belief, the key types of traditional and player-driven storytelling are explained, as is their past and present use in print, film, and video games. To further explain the issue, the key arguments for and against both traditional and player-driven stories are also presented. Building on this information, a survey was conducted to gauge public preference for various types of storytelling in all three mediums. The methodology, results, and implications of the survey are stated and discussed in order to bring about a reasonable response to the initial question of which type of storytelling will dominate. Dedication To all the authors, for creating a universe of stories that is every bit as vast, interesting, and exciting as our own. iii Acknowledgments Professor Kathleen Dunley, for all her help and support during the thesis process. Professor Ken Adams, for his feedback and being an all around awesome teacher. Professor Mike Eilers, for his feedback and being another awesome teacher. The APA, for making the entire thesis process far more complicated than it needs to be. iv Table of Contents Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................viii List of Figures............................................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 Introduction to the Problem ........................................................................................................ 1 Background of the Study ............................................................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem............................................................................................................ 2 Purpose of the Study & Rationale............................................................................................... 2 Research Questions..................................................................................................................... 3 Definition of Terms..................................................................................................................... 3 Assumptions and Limitations .....................................................................................................5 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 5 Organization of the Remainder of the Study .............................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................... 7 Introduction................................................................................................................................. 7 Organization of This Chapter...................................................................................................... 7 Primary Types of Storytelling..................................................................................................... 8 Fully Traditional Stories......................................................................................................... 8 Interactive Traditional Stories................................................................................................ 9 Multiple Ending Stories ........................................................................................................ 12 Branching Path Stories......................................................................................................... 16 v Open-Ended Stories ..............................................................................................................20 Fully Player-Driven Stories.................................................................................................. 23 The Uses of Storytelling in Media............................................................................................ 26 Storytelling in Print............................................................................................................... 26 Storytelling in Film ............................................................................................................... 30 Storytelling in Video Games ................................................................................................. 35 Arguments for Player-Driven Storytelling Supplanting Traditional Storytelling..................... 40 Arguments Against Player-Driven Storytelling Supplanting Traditional Storytelling............. 42 Arguments Based on Story Structure and Player Preferences ............................................. 42 Arguments Based on the Creation Process of Player-Driven Stories .................................. 48 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 50 CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 52 Research Design........................................................................................................................ 53 Sample....................................................................................................................................... 59 Data Collection ......................................................................................................................... 60 Data Analysis............................................................................................................................ 61 Validity and Reliability............................................................................................................. 62 CHAPTER 4. RESULTS............................................................................................................. 63 Demographics ........................................................................................................................... 63 Data Consistency ...................................................................................................................... 64 Gaming Habits .......................................................................................................................... 64 Story Preferences ...................................................................................................................... 68 vi Correlations............................................................................................................................... 71 CHAPTER 5. DISCUSSION, IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS............................... 74 Discussion................................................................................................................................. 74 Data Analysis........................................................................................................................ 74 Additional Respondent Feedback ......................................................................................... 76 Implications and Recommendations......................................................................................... 77 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 78 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 79 APPENDIX A. SURVEY RESPONDENTS’ TOP GAME STORIES........................................ 85 vii List of Tables Table 1. Favorite Game Genres…………………………………………………………………65 Table 2. Game Story Preferences….……………………………………………………………69 Table 3. Interactive Fiction Opinions….......……………………………………………………69 Table 4. Interactive Film Opinions…….......……………………………………………………69 Table 5. Interactive Novel Opinions…….....……………………………………………………70 Table 6. Game Preferences……… …..........……………………………………………………70 Table 7. Film Preferences………..…….......……………………………………………………70 Table 8. Novel Preferences…………….......……………………………………………………71 viii List of Figures Figure 1. Branching Path Stories…………………………………………………………………17 Figure 2. Survey Demographics.…………………………………………………………………63 Figure 3. Gaming Hours Per Week………………………………………………………………65 Figure 4. Storytelling Methods (All Games)………………………………………………....….67 Figure 5. Storytelling Methods (Unique Games)………………………………………………..68 ix CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Problem Throughout human history, few things have played