The LOST

Puzzle Structure in Narrative

This section examines how puzzles shape story engagement, arguing that solving a puzzle is itself a form of storytelling.

PATHS.

Which way will you go?

The Stars /
The Grandmother

Escaping the Story

A short film on the freedom of youth and the consequences of that raw energy. Where do your feet lead you, and are you in control of them? 

Dance

Footnotes & References

  • Core Theoretical Foundations:

    1. Wittgenstein, L. (1953). Philosophical Investigations (on meaning as puzzle-solving).

    2. Aarseth, E. (1997). Cybertext (on ergodic structures as navigational puzzles).

    3. Juul, J. (2005). Half-Real (on game mechanics structuring narrative).
    4.  

  • Critical Debates and Counterarguments:

    1. Manovich, L. (2001). The Language of New Media (suggesting puzzles are not storytelling).

    2. Eskelinen, M. (2001). Towards Computer Game Studies (arguing puzzles are mechanical, not narrative).

    3. Murray, J. (1997). Hamlet on the Holodeck (countering that digital puzzles are narrative).
    4.  

  • Empirical Studies & Case Studies:

    1. Return of the Obra Dinn (solving a mystery is the narrative).

    2. Portal (story embedded in solving logic puzzles).

    3. Outer Wilds (story-driven puzzle exploration).