The concept of a game is rooted in the idea that, as an item of play, the player interacts with the game in a way that is both meaningful and authentic. The player needs to be inserted into a simulation, make meaningful choices within the game, and engage in play. The question, then, is that do we engage in play, and therefore participate in a game, when we interact with a very particular type of media- an interactive novel? We see numerous examples of interactive novels on the web today, and many we would not consider to be true games, but rather a sort of literature for a more active audience. One studio, however, attempts to break that mold, and market the concept of the interactive novel as a game. The studio in question, Telltale Games, has multiple different series linked to several different pop culture items, including Batman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Game of Thrones. But while they sell these pieces of media as games, do we really play them? In the following passage, I will attempt to explore this idea of an interactive novel as an item of play, utilizing the Telltale Games’ various works as examples of interactive stories marketed as games, and ultimately answer the question of whether or not an interactive novel, at the magnitude of Telltale Games’ works, can be considered a game.
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This is great! I think the initial draft here is really clear and presents your topic precisely. I also think that this is an interesting angle to take, exploring the world of interactive novels. It will be interesting to see what you come up with, because I do think that interactive novels do satisfy some certain aspects of play that video games do as well. I like that you call these interactive novels “literature for an active audience.” I’m also interested in which way you will argue this because I think it can go either way. I just have a few questions because I have never engaged in an interactive game before: Are these interactive games sort of life fan-fiction? Or do they have a different goal in mind? What is the objective of these games?
Great job! Excited to see the final project!
Very intriguing topic. The Telltale format definitely skirts a line, and I think it may be a grey area that has existed for a long time. Sierra Games’ King’s Quest series similarly could be considered “interactive fiction” and interaction consists of typing in commands. These games pioneered storytelling through games that studios like Telltale seem to have perfected. The hard part will be defining when play begins with these types of games. I am excited to see the results of this paper as it is a matter that puzzles me. Good job!