Semiotic in narrative of video games: a case study of detention (2017) / Johann Mikail Mazlan and Nelysa Nurshafira Mohd Roslan

The research studies the semiotic elements of video game narratives, with a particular emphasis on the critically acclaimed game Detention (2017). The game is renowned for its ability to intricately weave its narrative through a sophisticated interplay of signs and symbols. Semiotics, the study of signs and their meanings, provides a robust framework for understanding the layers of interpretation that enrich the interactive storytelling experience within video games. The study draws from the theoretical foundations established by influential semioticians such as Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Sanders Peirce. By focusing on Detention, the research not only explores the game’s narrative but also delves into its historical and cultural context within Taiwan, offering a detailed analysis of its semiotic landscape. The central research questions address the narrative elements, the semiotic analysis of the game's settings, and the role of symbolism in video games, with a particular emphasis on how these elements enhance the depth and richness of the narrative. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the study utilizes Peirce's triadic model of sign classification to analyze the game. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the understanding of how narrative, semiotics, and symbolism are intricately fused in video game design. The research is well-defined in its objectives and scope, acknowledging its limitations, and aims to bridge the gap between semiotic theory and the immersive world of video games.