Authors:   Elaine M. Raybourn

Abstract

Serious games present a relatively new approach to training and education for Defense and Homeland Security. Although serious games are often deployed as stand-alone solutions, they can also serve as entry points into training content that is delivered via different media. The present paper explores the application of transmedia storytelling used by entertainment, advertising, and the commercial game industries to sustain audience engagement with memorable experiences. Transmedia storytelling is the art and science of designing a consistent message that is delivered and reinforced across multiple media utilizing diverse entry points into a narrative to generate audience involvement with content. This approach is consistent with the goals of the Army Learning Model 2015 to deliver training and education to Soldiers across multiple media. Transmedia storytelling also provides a practical framework for developing media-rich training. In the present paper, we introduce the notion of transmedia storytelling, also known as transmedia or cross-media, as related to the use of serious games for training and education. We discuss why the human brain is wired for transmedia storytelling and demonstrate how the Simulation Experience Design Method can be used to create transmedia story worlds and serious games. Examples of how the U.S. Army has utilized transmedia for strategic communication and game-based training are provided. Finally, we conclude with strategies the reader can use today to incorporate transmedia storytelling elements such as Internet, TV, radio, print, social media, graphic novels, machinima, blogs, and alternate reality gaming into defense and homeland security serious game training.