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University of Auckland
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Despite a global expansion of academic contributions, only a few instances of international collaboration were identified.
Like separate islands, researchers are working on similar topics but not often connecting across borders.
Limited partnership. International research collaboration remains rare, with only three instances identified out of 69 studies.
This scoping review examines the design principles and research landscape of character-driven storytelling in digital games. By synthesizing 69 studies published between 2003 and 2024, the analysis identifies how character development, narrative structure, and player engagement intersect to create immersive experiences. The research highlights a significant shift toward global interest in the field, with the United States remaining a primary hub while academic contributions have expanded across Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. Despite this geographic diversification, the study notes that international research collaborations remain infrequent.
The findings emphasize that character believability is a foundational element of successful narrative design. Consistency in character motivations, actions, and reactions is essential for maintaining player immersion; conversely, sudden shifts in behavior or incongruences between visual design and narrative roles can disrupt the player-character connection. The review underscores that emotional expression—facilitated through dialogue, body language, and voice acting—is critical for humanizing characters and fostering empathy. When characters are perceived as authentic, players are more likely to invest in the narrative and navigate ethically charged decisions with greater personal engagement.
Methodologically, the review employs the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework to systematically extract and analyze data regarding narrative techniques and character design factors. The study concludes that while character-driven storytelling significantly enhances player agency and emotional resonance, there remains a need for more nuanced frameworks that account for socioeconomic representation and the evolving complexity of interactive narratives. Future research is encouraged to bridge the gap between ludic mechanics and narrative depth to further improve player identification and learning outcomes in digital environments.
DiGRA · 2024
