Description: Non-linear storytelling in augmented reality is an innovative technique that allows users to interact with a story in a dynamic and personalized way. Unlike traditional narratives, where the plot development follows a fixed sequential order, non-linear storytelling offers multiple paths and endings, allowing users to choose their own journey through the narrative. This form of storytelling relies on augmented reality technology, which overlays digital elements onto the real world, creating an immersive and engaging experience. Users can explore different scenarios, characters, and events, granting them an active role in the construction of the story. This interactivity not only enriches the user experience but also fosters a deeper connection with the content, as each choice can influence the narrative’s development. Non-linear storytelling in augmented reality has become a powerful tool in entertainment, education, and advertising, offering new ways of engagement and learning.
History: Non-linear storytelling has existed in various forms for centuries, but its integration with augmented reality began to take shape in the late 2000s. With the advancement of AR technology and the popularization of mobile devices, new ways of storytelling that allowed users to interact with content more actively began to be explored. An important milestone was the release of applications and games that incorporated AR elements, such as ‘Pokémon GO’ in 2016, which, while not strictly narrative, laid the groundwork for interactivity in AR environments. Since then, more narrative-focused projects have been developed, such as AR storytelling in various settings, where users can choose different narrative paths.
Uses: Non-linear storytelling in augmented reality is used in various fields, including entertainment, education, and marketing. In entertainment, it is applied in video games and interactive applications that allow players to make decisions that affect the story’s development. In the educational realm, it is used to create immersive learning experiences, where students can explore concepts through interactive narratives. In marketing, brands employ this technique to engage consumers more effectively, allowing them to interact with products and services through personalized stories.
Examples: A notable example of non-linear storytelling in augmented reality is the app ‘WallaMe’, which allows users to leave messages in specific locations that others can discover through AR. Another case is ‘The Walking Dead: Our World’, a game that combines augmented reality with an interactive narrative, where players make decisions that affect the story’s development. Additionally, various exhibitions have implemented AR experiences that allow visitors to choose different narrative paths, enriching their understanding of the content.
