Linked locative ludonarrative and heritage hypertext harmonies.

Abstract

Hypertext narrative has found itself in new ludic and locative domains, where the links between content have become playful beyond mere navigation and blend realities by connecting the virtual to the real. This has proven particularly useful in the heritage domain, where hypertext offers new means of engagement to tap the narrative potential of historic sites. As the hypertext changes, so should our vocabulary and understanding of both the link and the reader experience. In this paper we present a study of 6 locative ludic heritage hypertexts and blend methodologies from both HCI and Game Studies through a user study (n=54) and a close reading to understand links and experiences within a range of works. We conclude a new model of links in locative ludic hypertext in terms of ludonarrative, ludolocus, and loconarrative, and detail the significance and impact of those links in terms of quantitative player experience data and poetics. Our findings show the value of blending methodologies to uncover successful locative design patterns, and the immersive value of bringing all three categories of links together.