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Sean Abigail
Level Design
Narrative Methods for Real Time Strategy Games
My thesis investigated common narrative methods for real time strategy( RTS) games, mastering them in a custom StarCraft 2 level while illuminating the origins of the well-known character, James Raynor.
I choose this thesis because it involved two of my greatest passions: RTS and storytelling. I learned so much about both during the last seven months. I was able to work within a game and universe that I have loved since childhood. I studied and followed the first quarter of the Hero’ s Journey to ensure investment from players and universal appeal.
Testing and documenting the process of the level’ s creation has enabled me to master the use of certain narrative techniques, such as using event scenes, environmental storytelling, and ambient dialogue. Once the artifact was finished, I was able to publish it on the community network known as Battle. net.
26 LEVEL DESIGN