The Lantern Hall
Painting: an ancient lexicon open on a carved lectern in a dark chapel of books, glowing runes and symbols lifting off its pages like fireflies.
TermDigital term2007

Ludonarrative dissonance

A conflict between what a game's story says and what its gameplay makes the player do, such as a gentle hero who must kill hundreds of enemies. The term is a portmanteau of ludology and narrative.

A conflict between what a game's story says and what its gameplay makes the player do, such as a gentle hero who must kill hundreds of enemies. The term is a portmanteau of ludology and narrative.

Origin

Coined by designer Clint Hocking in a 2007 blog post about BioShock.

Quick answers

What does "Ludonarrative dissonance" mean?
A conflict between what a game's story says and what its gameplay makes the player do, such as a gentle hero who must kill hundreds of enemies. The term is a portmanteau of ludology and narrative.
Where does the term "Ludonarrative dissonance" come from?
Coined by designer Clint Hocking in a 2007 blog post about BioShock.

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