From Gambling to Storytelling: Reimagine Slot Games for Intersectional Narratives in Kevin

Contemporary video games often equate narrative agency with complex player choices, thereby complicating interface design. This study challenges this trend by developing Kevin, a slot game that integrates simplistic haptic interaction into interactive storytelling. Kevin is designed based on the common 243-way slot games, with gameplay centered around the protagonist Kevin's college life. Furthermore, we root our narrative design in the intersectionality framework by exploring the multifaceted nature of Kevin's identities. Based on player feedback, we found that the contrast between the simple button interaction and the game's visual storytelling creates compelling narrative tension. However, we also identified certain limitations in balancing critical perspectives with dramatic plots and addressing ludic literacy. Accordingly, we propose directions for future research and design looking to repurpose slot games.