Improving optionality in video game dialogue with Trope-Informed Design

Rennick, Stephanie and Roberts, Sean ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5990-9161 2025. Improving optionality in video game dialogue with Trope-Informed Design. Game Studies Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This paper applies Trope-Informed Design (TID) to optionality in video game dialogue. TID is a method for identifying opportunities for subverting and averting patterns in game design, with a view to enhancing player experience. Here we identify recurring patterns in dialogue optionality in role-playing games, and suggest ways of expanding and improving dialogue systems. We conduct a systematic study of what kinds of dialogue options players are given in video games. We then review what issues players have with dialogue option systems using trope analysis, and compare video game dialogue systems with what happens in real-life conversations. This motivates several suggestions for expanding dialogue optionality in a manageable way.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > English, Communication and Philosophy
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Publisher:	Game Studies
ISSN:	1604-7982
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	12 June 2025
Date of Acceptance:	29 April 2025
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2025 09:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178841

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