The Use of Narrative in the Prototyping of Serious Games for Criminal Investigation

DOI: 10.5176/978-981-08-3190-5_477

Authors: Daniel Andrews, Chris Baber

Abstract:

In this Paper we explore the potential use of narrative as a tool for delivering media that can support learning of work-related skills and information in a meaningful context. It is argued that the use of interactive videogames with narrative structures can provide a versatile platform through which a range of different perspectives, and therefore training, can be experienced. The example of crime scene investigation is used to demonstrate the ways in which narrative structures can benefit the player/trainee by allowing them to participate from various perspectives, such as criminal and investigator, within a single context. Some potential techniques are discussed which may help realize this in the future, which initially involve the development of small-scale prototypes in order to assess the training potential of a game’s design.