Story Designer: Towards a Mixed-Initiative Tool to Create Narrative Structures

Story Designer functions as a mixed-initiative co-creative system designed to bridge the gap between narrative structure and level design. By integrating with the Evolutionary Dungeon Designer, the tool employs trope-based graph grammars and the Interactive Constrained MAP-Elites algorithm to generate diverse, high-quality narrative frameworks. The primary thesis posits that narrative coherence is best achieved when generative algorithms are dynamically constrained by the specific spatial and structural choices made by human designers during the level creation process.

The system evaluates narrative output across behavioral dimensions such as conflict, plot density, and structural diversity. Empirical analysis reveals that while applying comprehensive constraints can reduce the total volume of unique graph variations, it significantly improves the quality and relevance of the generated content. Furthermore, the research indicates that focusing on a targeted pair of behavioral dimensions often yields superior results in terms of fitness and narrative interest compared to broader, multi-dimensional searches. This suggests that a balanced approach to constraint management is essential for maintaining both creative variety and structural integrity.

This framework demonstrates high adaptability, allowing for iterative refinement as designers adjust parameters throughout the development cycle. By providing a stable foundation for the simultaneous evolution of game levels and story arcs, the system offers a scalable solution for holistic game design. These findings underscore the potential for mixed-initiative tools to enhance developer productivity while ensuring that narrative structures remain tightly coupled with the underlying gameplay experience. The system effectively proves that algorithmic guidance, when properly constrained by human input, serves as a powerful catalyst for complex, coherent game world construction.