January 7, 2013 - A team of Carleton researchers is trying to find out why so many computer games shy away from using nonlinear storytelling techniques that is, techniques that help present stories out of chronological order. Traditional media like films and novels use all kinds of interesting nonlinear techniques, like those found in Run Lola Run, Groundhog Day and Memento. Many games tend to stick to fairly simple techniques like flashbacks, but more sophisticated approaches could result in more games with critically acclaimed stories.

Team member Gail Carmichael, a PhD candidate in the School of Computer Science, says: Through our research, we eventually want to develop techniques, tools and technology to help game writers create and run more interesting stories in their video games.

[Carleton News]