Sharing Interactive Digital Storytelling Technologies

Abstract

The Interactive Digital Storytelling (IDS) field has produced numerous research prototypes over the last years [1]. These prototypes cover several different technological domains, including: drama management; human computer interaction; language understanding and generation; behavioral modeling; 3D rendering, modeling and animation. Research in the field usually focuses on one specific area. However, it is often the case that other dimensions need to be integrated with one’s core contribution to provide the end-user with a whole experience that can be assessed. As a consequence, researchers in IDS tend to become “one-person bands” trying to unite being scientists in multiple fields; engineers in an array of domains; and developers at home with many technologies and processes. Game technologies aim to simplify this challenge by providing, in particular, sophisticated game engines. But since game engines do not cover all IDS needs, important development/integration efforts still remain to be addressed beyond the central scientific investigation itself. This workshop aimed at helping IDS researchers to identify and adopt existing IDS-relevant technologies, for them to be able to deliver prototypes that are more varied - or better tailored to their needs and goals - with less effort.