I realized that my topic was still not specific enough, especially there is not many article supporting it. So I decided to shift the focus to the relationship between player agency and authorial intent, which felt more specific but was closely related to interactive storytelling. As I delved deeper into the literature, I noticed an interesting evolution in thinking about this issue over time. For example, Barthes’s 1968 theory of the death of the author posited that readers’ interpretations would ultimately override the author’s intent. However, later researchers proposed a more collaborative relationship between creator and audience, in which both parties contribute meaningfully to the narrative process.
This shift was a turning point for my research, and player agency will be my main focus, giving players the ability to shape the story within the boundaries set by the game developers. At the same time, authorial intent is crucial to ensuring that the story retains its coherence and emotional impact.
Case Study: Baldur’s Gate – player freedom