A Functional Perspective on Narrative in Computer Games - Wolf Maul

sophisticated combat, meaningful decision-making, memorable characters, and plenty of replay
value” (Kasavin, 2000, p. 2).
I played each game from beginning to end, taking notes throughout. I attempted to
reproduce a realistic player experience, including using saved games, walkthroughs, and
detailed step-by-step puzzle solutions when necessary. After having played the game through, I
replayed them from key save points in order to examine other possible variations of critical
decisions (e.g. to examine different possible endings).
During play I recorded where my focus was: on operating the game, learning the rules,
understanding the interface, performing my character’s actions, or following the story. I
considered all materials, including introductory video clips and reference material in the form
of text-based manuals or online help, to be part of the game play experience.
I recorded the details that made up each story (objects in the environment, my actions,
other character’s actions, etc.) as well as my perceptions of game play. I noted the times when
a story was being told to me, and when it seemed I was creating it through my actions or
imagination. I gave special attention to the times when I felt I was drawn into the narrative,
when my attention was held, and when it strayed. I recorded any details that seemed to explain
these experiences. I also noted my impressions and memories right after playing, a week later,
and again several months later.
After collecting these observations, I compared my experiences of the three games, noting
the commonalities as well as the differences. To analyze the results I adapted Gary Fine’s
cognitive frame analysis, originally used to study role-playing games. The computer game
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