Digital storytelling and visual design in video games: A game concept design

Story/narrative in video games is a significant subject of discussion in academic environment. Gameplay (the way of experiencing a video game) confronts totally if compared with traditional storytelling. Increasing number of game researchers decided not to dwell on directly comparing gameplay and storytelling. Instead of that, they conveyed, studies should focus on the unique nature of gameplay. It can be said that this manner brought new matters of debate to game studies. Therefore, same manner should provide new perspectives to visual design area as well. Because visual experience is an important part of gameplay. In the first chapter, story concept as a part of communication and the storytelling culture were researched. Creating and listening to stories is a need for every human being. But storytelling constantly evolves. Digital technology spread storytelling to all segments of society. Digital worlds are defined as the intersection point of storytelling, technology and communication. Transmedia storytelling has completely changed storytelling culture. Second chapter is about understanding video games as a unique genre. Video games are defined by their unique characteristics. Video games are digital worlds built by rules. Players interact with rules and thus the gameplay occurs. According to theorists, the unique narrative in video games is the process of understanding the game's world itself. In this way, unique narrative theories were conveyed. The role of visual experience in unique narrative theories is discussed. In the third chapter, the role of narrative and visual design in video game level design theory examined. Level design theories are built around creating a fun gameplay design. But narrative and visual design are not considered as parts of the fun gameplay. However, research shows that fun gameplay design theories have significant similarities with unique narrative principles in video games. Case studies show that visual design in the context of narrative is essential for unique narrative experience. Fourth chapter is dedicated to thesis project. Unlike a traditional video game concept design, a concept design closer to gameplay has been made. A story has been created to begin with. Elements such as characters, places and mechanics were determined according to the unique narrative titles. Drawings were made to explore the potential of visual design in the context of the narrative.