The Application of Dramatic Structure in Digital Game Design and Its Impact on Player Emotions

This study explores how dramatic structure in digital game design engages players and evokes emotional responses. Dramatic structures typically consist of five stages: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement, which share similarities with game design frameworks that require clear objectives, conflicts, and outcomes to maintain player engagement. The research investigates how each stage elicits emotional shifts in players and amplifies immersion. Through detailed analysis and case studies of popular games, the findings indicate that dramatic structure strengthens narrative cohesion and provides a reliable framework for managing tension and emotional pacing. Game developers can use these insights to create more immersive and emotionally engaging experiences, fostering stronger emotional connections between players and virtual worlds. This framework has the potential to shape the future of game design by aligning storytelling with player agency, resulting in games that evoke lasting emotional responses. This study offers practical guidelines for developers aiming to increase a game's emotional investment and overall appeal.