Plot clusters – Intertwined and re-playable storyline components in a multiplayer RPG

Abstract

This paper proposes and outlines a novel method for designing multiplayer computer role-playing games that revolve around procedural interactive narratives, which are further developed by the participating players. The proposed Plot Cluster system is evaluated practically during the design and construction of the experimental game Castle of Oulu 1651. The functionality and applicability of the approach is further validated with the empirical field experiment with 260 test subjects. Plot clusters enable the game designers to create controlled but re-playable emergent storylines that intertwine the participating players using multi-tier network structures.