Textual and Critical Analysis of a Video Game Series Through Interactive Data Visualization

Abstract

In this thesis, I combine statistical and algorithmic methods from different disciplines of study to perform critical analysis on the in-game textual content of the Fire Emblem video game series, drawing comparisons between games in areas of interest such as gender representation, social networks, and narrative structure. My work examines how shifts in computer technology and cultural norms have impacted video game content and design over the years. I present the findings of my analysis in an interactive website with two forms of data-based storytelling: interactive data-driven visualizations and guided visual essays. This thesis aims to do the following: observe how video game content has changed over time and its relation to the evolution of technology and society as a whole, present a workflow for the creation of interactive visualizations making large data more accessible and engaging, and demonstrate the strength of crossmodal research in game studies, combining analytical methods from different disciplines to develop a toolkit for textual and content analysis.