Mixing Story and Simulation in Interactive Narrative

Simulation is a common feature in computer entertainment. However, in computer games simulation and story are often kept distinct by interleaving interactive play and cut scenes. We describe a technique for an interactive narrative system that more closely integrates simulation and storyline. The technique uses a combination of semi-autonomous character agents and high-level story direction. The storyline is decomposed into directives to character agents to achieve particular world states. Otherwise, character agents are allowed to behave autonomously. When the player's actions create inconsistency between the simulation state and storyline, the storyline is dynamically adapted and repaired to resolve any inconsistencies. Storytelling vs. Simulation Simulation has been, and continues to be, an important part of computer entertainment. Computer games such as The Sims and SimCity are simulations in the strictest sense. The initial parameters, a model of state change, and legal play...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: AIIDE
• Authors: Mark O. Riedl, Andrew Stern, Don M. Dini
• Keywords: AIIDE 2006, Artificial Intelligence, Character Agents, Computer Games, Simulation