Narrative Interfaces, Identity of The Game and The Integrity of The Interfaces

Abstract

The paper aims to address an issue of the game’s identity in the context of narrative interfaces and their integrity. Following the approach of Jenkins (2002), Bizzocchi (2007, 2011) and Koenitz (2015, 2018) I propose there to address said topic by attention paid to the integrity of the narrative interfaces design and their role in the presentation and experience of “the game” as particular “that game”. Especially in the context of attempts to recreate specific experience (re­make/revival, sequel and sibling identity), for which main example is the game Planescape Torment and its revival (Enhanced Edition) and “spiritual successor” Tides of Numenera. The short study on said example, as I argue, shows that the main issue has a multilayered nature (including technology, studio politics, artistic design, license legal limitations and such), and the integrity of the inter­faces, especially these which may be identified as the “core” ones, is an important part of them and seemingly small and mere changes, may break it completely. And while the storytelling may deliver literally “the same” story, a changed (or broken) integrity of narrative interface’s design cannot be restored. Creating in effect a different experience, and in essence: a different game. However, keeping said core integrity intact allows to sustain the game identity (and its experience) allowing extending existing mechanics, additional layers of gameplay etc.