Character-Driven Storytelling Design for Digital Games: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Character-driven storytelling is increasingly recognised as central to creating emotionally resonant and meaningful experiences in digital games. This scoping review maps existing research to support developers and scholars in understanding how narrative and character design intersect in interactive contexts. Sixty-nine studies were identified through a systematic search and analysed in two stages: a descriptive analysis and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a diverse research landscape and a range of storytelling techniques shaped by ludonarrative structures, audiovisual elements, and thematic frameworks. The review highlights key character design factors, emphasizing the importance of believable, relatable, and emotionally engaging characters in fostering immersive narratives. It also explores the broader impact of character-driven storytelling on players, including its potential to support learning, evoke emotion, promote social awareness, and enrich gameplay.