Embedded narrative in game design

This paper studies narrative embedding in games, a phenomenon that has rarely been discussed in game studies. To understand the issues better, this work first seeks insights into embedding from narrative theory and sets up a descriptive framework that includes a categorization of horizontal, vertical and modal embedding, as well as their associated characteristics. The paper then applies the framework to game narratives and examines how narrative embedding is implemented in games, how it helps structure the narrative content, and how it influences the narrative experience. By relating theoretical discussions to game examples, the findings of this study can potentially help game narrative designers make more informed decisions when embedding narrative in games.