Chapter 43

Understanding Entertainment: Story And Gameplay Are One

Jesse Schell
Disney VR Studio

 

Outline

Story–Game Duality

Is Entertainment Important?

The Challenges of Understanding Entertainment

Obstacle 1:Entertainment Is Generally Not Considered a Topic Deserving of Serious Study

Obstacle 2:Being Entertained Is Partially an Unconscious Process

Obstacle 3:Honing Entertainment Skill Is Partially an Unconscious Process

Obstacle 4:A Deep Understanding of Human Psychology Is Required to Truly Understand Entertainment

A Model for Entertainment

Focus

Empathy

Imagination

Interest Curves

What Comprises Interest?

Poetry of Presentation

Psychological Proximity

Interest Factor Examples

The Challenge of Interactivity

Environment: Influence the Eyes

Interface: Influence the Hands

Avatar: Influence the Body

Story: Influence the Will

Conclusion

Resources

 

Figures

Figure 43.1: A good interest curve.

Figure 43.2: A bad interest curve.

Figure 43.3: Psychological proximity.

Figure 43.4: Chainsaw juggling interest factors.

Figure 43.5: Violin concerto interest factors.

Figure 43.6: Tetris interest factors.

Figure 43.7: Example of indirect control through graphic design.

Figure 43.8: Another example of indirect control through graphic design.