Time and Space in Digital Game Storytelling

Table 2

Summary of spatial characteristics discussed that affect narrative and gameplay experience.

Characteristics for game narrative space	Function in game narrative	Function in gameplay	Examples cited (selective)
Topographical; layout	Affect plot structure	Help create navigational pattern	Assassin’s Creed BioShock
Topographical; spatial opposition	Help group narrative events; Help create conventions (e.g., dangerous space versus safe space) to affect emotional experience	Help shape navigational experience; Help create conventions to affect decision making	Assassin’s Creed; Assassin’s Creed II
Operational; character mobility; object mobility	Help create the storyworld; Help the plot development; Affect the variability of narrative	Ease or intensify gameplay; affect the variability of gameplay	Prince of Persia: Sands of Time; Assassin’s Creed; Fable II; Heavy Rain
Operational; paths and axes	Help shape/restrain the plot structure	Help create navigational pattern; Affect the degree of repetition of gameplay	Assassin’s Creed; Planescape Torment
Presentational; on-screen space; perspective	Stylistic/genre storytelling; Choice of first-person versus third-person help shape emotional experience	Affect the continuity of game space; Affect player control of view; Camera as a guiding device	God of War; Assassin’s Creed; Assassin’s Creed II; Prince of Persia: Sands of Time; Max Payne
Presentational; acoustic space	Set the mood, create tension, and enhance the realism.	Provides feedback and hints for players’ next moves; Basic game mechanic (e.g., in rhythm games)	Fable II; Assassin’s Creed; Rock Band; Dance Dance Revolution
Presentational; spatial segmentation	Help group narrative events	Set the boundaries of gameplay; help create game levels	Prince of Persia: Sands of Time; Fable II; Assassin’s Creed
Presentational; screen interface	Provide information; stylistic/genre storytelling (e.g., split screen)	Facilitate player control for both gameplay and camera view; provide information and instructions	Assassin’s Creed; Fable II; High Velocity; Heavy Rain