INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING IN VR GAMES: REVISITING JANET MURRAY’S LEGACY
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Abstract
This article examines the prospects for interactive storytelling in virtual reality (VR) games through the theoretical lens of Janet Murray’s foundational concepts: immersion, agency, and transformation. While Murray’s work provided a seminal framework for digital narrative, the rapid evolution of VR technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates a critical reassessment of these ideas. Utilizing a narrative literature review, this study synthesizes theoretical extensions by scholars such as Marie-Laure Ryan and Hartmut Koenitz, while addressing ludological critiques regarding the tension between game rules and narrative structure. The analysis identifies three primary directions for future development: the integration of AI for real-time adaptive narratives, the use of VR for educational and empathetic “storyliving,” and the emergence of collaborative storytelling in social VR spaces. The study argues that while VR amplifies the potential for embodied narrative experiences, it also introduces significant ethical and practical challenges, including algorithmic bias, accessibility barriers, and the risk of illusory agency. The conclusions suggest that the future of VR storytelling lies in hybrid models that successfully balance authored intent with procedural openness and social responsibility.
How to Cite
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Interactive Storytelling, Virtual Reality (VR) Games, Janet Murray, Artificial Intelligence, Narrative Design
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