With my research I want to tell better stories

The PD is the practice-oriented counterpart of the PhD and much more focused on actual interventions when it comes to complex issues in, for example, the Leisure, Hospitality and Creative Industries. It is time to meet our new PD candidate Jonas Pastoors.

Jonas graduated in Game Technology at BUas in 2020. Before diving into this master’s, he pursued a Bachelor of Science programme in Game Design at the Media Design University of Applied Sciences in Dusseldorf, Germany. His focus is on game design and narrative design.

What exactly is your research topic for the years to come?

‘Actually, I’m going to delve into the emotional connection between players and game characters.’

Okay, I can relate to that. I just think of reading a good book. When it comes to an end, it’s hard for me to say goodbye to the main characters. After all, you travel along with them for a while.

‘I can imagine! You enjoy spending time with them. It’s the same with films. Only with games the connection is interactive. In my research I focus on non-player characters. We call it NPC, meaning any character in a game that is not controlled by a player.’

Any particular or personal motivation to delve into this topic?

‘Sure! RimWorld brought me to this topic. It’s a game that creates stories by generating characters at random. Years ago, I had an experience with Doc, a character who wasn’t capable of violence. When the food ran out this character had to go outside, looking for something to eat. I realised too late that Doc did so without any weapon. And then he came across a wolf and died. I was really upset and feeling sad, and I wondered why I felt so emotionally connected to this character. I wanted to know more about the why and wrote my bachelor’s and master’s thesis on this topic. In my PD research, I want to explore the why in depth. So, actually, it’s a continuation of my journey so far.’

As a PD candidate, you need to find industry partners to support you. Did you manage to do so?

‘Yeah, so glad I did! One of the developers of RimWorld is my supervisor for the PD.’

And what’s in it for the industry?

‘By learning what makes players care about their game characters, I aim to give game developers the tools to create deeper and more emotionally satisfying game experiences. In the end, this will lead to the ability to tell better stories, which makes games even more enjoyable. There is a lot of knowledge available on this topic, but I want to write it out clearly and make it more accessible to game developers.’

And how are you going to find out? In other words, how are you going to carry out your research?

‘First, I’m going to make some modifications in the game itself to be able to measure the impact. Just think of changing the appearance of characters. How do players feel about that? What does it do to them emotionally? I’m going to collect my data through split-run tests and questionnaires. Ideally, I’ll find my control group in RimWorld’s online community, but I can also imagine having people play on the campus of BUas.’

That would be nice! In this way, your efforts will become more visible to the BUas community.

‘Yep, but I’ll take care of that anyway, as I plan to organise game jams at BUas where students can hear more about what I have researched. After every study loop, I will come back with results, give lectures and such. I hope I can do this at least every year!’

Interview: Maaike Dukker-’t Hart