I think it is possible to
create interactive storytelling outside of a video game setting. I think that
doing so requires the content creator to go about it a different way. Often
choose-your-own story type of videos sacrifice story and just seem cheesy. One
of the best examples of interactive storytelling I can think of is the web
series My Music. My Music is a show created by The Fine Brothers (known for
their Kids/Teenagers/Old People React videos) for YouTube and follows a group
of people working for a music website company. They define each character by
the type of music they listen to. The main episodes follow a typical sitcom
format and have similar production values to a lot of what is currently on
television. But each week they also release additional interactive content that
is filmed closer to the release. The content is all done in character as well
and no behind the scenes content is released until after the season has
concluded. Each character has their own active Twitter account that will live
tweet music related events. Many have Facebook’s, Tumblr’s, Reddit’s, and
Pinterest’s as well that are all run by the shows creators and writers but stay
in character. The website that the characters run actually exists as well and
features music articles and reviews. If a character shows a picture during the
show that they have posted to Facebook, the picture will show up on Facebook
the same day the episode is released. The weekly video content includes Tumblr
Tuesday, Gaming with Metal, video podcasts, and a program called the Mosh. Each
of these programs features an interactive element. On Tumblr Tuesday, different
characters will find content sent to the show’s accounts on Tumblr and show it
and comment on it in the video. In Gaming with Metal, the character called
Metal will play games as suggested by the viewer and film himself playing it.
The podcast features music discussion and viewer questions. The Mosh showcases
fan art, creates a playlist based of viewer suggested music (that can be
accessed on the show’s Spotify account), and answers viewer questions. All of
these programs are done completely in character and can be affected by events
that happen during the main episode of the week. I think that shows like this
will be the future of interactive storytelling. The show is able to immerse the
viewers and interact with them in an engaging and entertaining way without
sacrificing any of the narrative story quality. I think that the main problem
people have with interactive storytelling is that people confine themselves to
a single platform to tell a story despite the fact that the Internet provides
us so many ways to interact with our audience. I think that MyMusic is a good
example of a show that has been able to adapt successfully.
Here are links to the Fine Brothers channel (where the main episodes air), the MyMusic channel (where the bonus content airs), and the music website
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