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http://dx.doi.org/10.7583/JKGS.2021.21.5.87

A Study on Ludo-narrative Harmony in the Video Game "Ghost of Tsushima"  

Chun, Bumsue (Dept. of Art Communication, Stokes College, Mokwon University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korea Game Society / v.21, no.5, 2021 , pp. 87-104 More about this Journal
Abstract
Ludo-narrative dissonance is a prevalent problem among open-world genre video games. However, Ghost of Tsushima (2020) alleviates this issue by designing its characters and narrative structure influenced by Akira Kurosawa's samurai films. The game's protagonist represents "Bushido," a samurai code, and the structure exudes similarity to Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey," which heavily influenced Kurosawa's films. The developers also designed the gameplay mechanics such as level-up system, map design, and side quests based on these narrative traits, ultimately making the goal of the narrative and the gameplay mechanics cohesive.
Keywords
Video Games; Video Game Narratives; Ghost of Tsushima; Akira Kurosawa; Samurai; Ludo-narrative Dissonance;
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