Description: Interactive narratives in the context of augmented reality (AR) are storytelling experiences that allow users to make decisions that affect the development and outcome of the story. These narratives combine elements of traditional storytelling with the interactivity offered by AR technology, creating an immersive environment where users can explore and actively participate in the plot. Through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, users can see digital elements overlaid on the real world, enriching the narrative experience. Interactive narratives in AR not only limit themselves to choosing paths in the story but can also include manipulating virtual objects, solving puzzles, and interacting with digital characters. This innovative approach transforms the way stories are told, allowing for a deeper connection between the user and the narrative, and fostering creativity and exploration. The combination of augmented reality with interactive narratives opens new possibilities for entertainment, education, and advertising, making stories more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.
History: Interactive narratives have evolved since the early video games of the 1970s, but their integration with augmented reality began to take shape in the late 2000s. With the advancement of mobile technology and the development of AR applications, the creation of narrative experiences that combine the physical world with digital elements became easier. An important milestone was the release of ‘Pokémon GO’ in 2016, which popularized AR and demonstrated the potential of interactive narratives in gaming and other contexts. Since then, various platforms and developers have explored this fusion of storytelling and technology, expanding creative possibilities.
Uses: Interactive narratives in augmented reality are used in various fields, including entertainment, education, and marketing. In entertainment, they are applied in video games and immersive experiences that allow players to interact with the story in a meaningful way. In the educational field, they are used to create interactive lessons that combine digital content with the physical environment, facilitating learning through exploration. In marketing, brands employ interactive narratives to engage consumers more effectively, creating advertising campaigns that allow users to interact with products in innovative ways.
Examples: A notable example of interactive narrative in augmented reality is ‘The Walking Dead: Our World’, a game that allows players to make decisions that affect the story’s development while interacting with characters and elements from ‘The Walking Dead’ universe. Another case is ‘WallaMe’, an app that allows users to leave messages and art in specific locations, which can only be seen by other users through AR, creating a shared narrative in physical space. Additionally, ‘AR Flashcards’ uses AR to teach children about animals and objects, combining learning and interactive storytelling.
