Chat mapper

Chat Mapper: Creating Non-linear Narratives for Games

What is a Linear Narrative?

Linear stories: predetermined sequential plot points. completion of the game = end point of the game

via the single path that was laid out by the designer.

works well in games because it gives the player a goal or set of goals as they work toward solving the problem.

Non-Linear NarrativeNon-Linear stories:

player is given options as to what he or she chooses to do

Historically, these options were presented as predetermined choices (Choose your own adventure)

dynamically generate plot elements and alter potential endings onchoices a player makesperformanceTimingor other circumstances tied to the narrative.

Non-linear AffordancesVariability

Consequences on the world in which they interact

Player has the impression of influence.

Opportunity to identify with their player

Emotional investment

Types of Non-Linear Narrative

Open World Organic game interactions, such as Grand Theft

Auto and World of Warcraft

Branching Narratives: a tree that branches out with different end points

Parallel Narratives Branching that ends at a same resolution

ChallengesMore option cost more $$$. Content increase

exponentially per decision.

Writing a story that could be read in any order is complex.

Nonlinear stories are often linked not by time, but by conditions

ROI is questionable when complexity is factored in. Additionally, most successful games have linear narrative.

Result

Graphs become unwieldy

difficulty allowing the designer to create conditions, which are circumstances that may change the direction of the story

Chat Mapper Interface

FeaturesUser Interface

Visualized Branching

Control Conversations Flow w/ Lua Scripts

Simulator

Generate Screen Play Document

Custom Exporter

Assets includeActors

Items

Locations

Variables

Lua ScriptingEasily adjust asset values and variables

Example Script & Condition

Create Custom Fields for all Assets

Quickly test w/ Simulator

Import into Game EnginesUnity3D

Torque

Unity3D: iSpeech

Unity3D: iDirect