FROM FOLK TALES TO VIDEO GAMES: TRANSFORMING NARRATIVE STRUCTURES ACROSS MEDIA
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper analyzes the transformation of narrative structure from folk tales to video games. Rather than a mere transposition of source materials, this process involves a comprehensive transformation, from outlining the overarching plot structure to concretizing event progression and character arc, where the player assumes a central role in the narrative. Based on the theory of narrative codes, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey structure, and Joan Ikonomi’s five-key-event structure, this study conducts a comparative analysis of narrative frameworks and game scripts, focusing on the transformation of character journeys, narrative openings, and endings of games. The findings indicate that this narrative adaptation results in significant modifications to narrative structure. Through analysis and comparison, this study highlights the vast applicability of oral storytelling and underscores the creative value of video games as the most financially successful form of entertainment today.
Keywords
coding, digital storytelling, folk tales, narrative structure, video games
Article Details
References
Adams, E. (2014). Fundamentals of Game Design (3rd ed). New Riders.
Barthes, R. (2002). S/Z. (R. Miller, Trans.). Blackwell Publishing.
Cardoso, P., & Carvalhais, M. (2014). Transcoding Action: Embodying the game. ISEA 2014. Zayed University. https://www.isea-symposium-archives.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2014_Cardoso_Carvalhais_Transcoding_Action.pdf
Campbell, J. (2004). The hero with a thousand faces. Princeton University Press.
Ikonomi, J. (2022). Creative space in virtual reality (Video game designing tools for architecture) [Doctoral dissertation, Università degli Studi di Ferrara]. IRIS Institutional Repository.
Juliano, L. (2015). Transcoded Identities: Identification in Games and Play [Doctoral dissertation]. University of California.
Manovich, L. (2002). The language of new media. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.22230/cjc.2002v27n1a1280
Mati. (2024, February 13). Starting My God of War Arc| GOW (2005) - Part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GG2LXrn0R0
Nguyen, K. V. (1998). Thần thoại Hi Lạp, Tập 1 [Greek mythology, Vol.1]. Culture of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Publishing House.
Nguyen, N. Y., Do, V. H., & Chu, H. (2011). Từ điển Ngữ văn dùng cho học sinh - sinh viên [Literary Dictionary for Students]. Vietnam Education Publishing House.
Rouse, R. (2004). Game design: Theory & practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Ryan, M.-L. (2001). Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Todorov, T. (1969). Grammaire du Décaméron. Mouton.
Todorov, T. (1977). The poetics of prose (R. Howard, Trans.). Cornell University Press.
Vronay, D. (2022, June 15). Understanding narrative design. UX Magazine. https://uxmag.com/articles/understanding-narrative-design