Abstract

Keywords: Augmented Reality, Emergent Narrative, Interactivity, Holodeck, Synthetic Characters, Affective Architectures

How do we resolve the paradox of computer supported interactive drama – that the human participant requires the very freedom to interact that the authored narrative structure denies them? This paper reports work around the concept of Emergent Narrative – the development of narrative structure through interaction itself. We cover both systems using a virtual world and those using a virtually augmented real world, exploring how far reworking narrative structure as a loop between the causal (plot) and affective (character) can produce engaging experiences for participants. We discuss the key role of a cognitive-affective architecture for characters and the process of cognitive appraisal as an engine for both in-character and in-role dramatic action.

• Ruth Aylett, MACS, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

Full text (PDF) p. 287-290