ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 discusses the theoretical foundations for a multimodal approach to ludonarratology. I start by discussing Kress (2010) and van Leeuwen’s (2015) definitions of multimodality. Then, I review multimodal discourse analysis as an approach where meaning is not only communicated through multiple modes, but also emphasises the relationships between these modes. I argue for the need to maximise conceptual clarity and consistency in multimodal research by providing the definitions of mode and module which I follow. More importantly, I explain how I have considered interactivity for video game research by incorporating the players’ actions into the definition of multimodality for game studies. In the review of narratological approaches in games studies, I have outlined the four main categories, namely, traditional, classical, new media, and psychoanalytical theories. I have explained how I incorporate some of the notions and constructs from classical and new media theories to create the narrative framework for game studies in Chapters 8 and 9. I end this chapter with a brief outline of gameplay approaches in ludonarratology and explain how I have incorporated the three perspectives, namely, the micro, macro, and sociocultural context into the gameplay framework for game studies in Chapters 10 and 11.
