Interactive Storytelling for Virtual Reality Medium by Real Walking Inside Virtual Story World

This PhD thesis delved into the innovative intersection of cinematic VR and narrative theory, drawing heavily on Gilles Deleuze's cinematic concepts to forge a new ontology for cinematic storytelling within immersive media. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical experimentation, the research investigated the unique perceptual and engagement dynamics of VR audiences. The creation and analysis of two VR simulations, "How Do You Teel It 2021" and "The Man Who Disoriented in Time 2022," served as empirical studies to understand and enhance narrative engagement in immersive environments.

Building on these foundations, the thesis introduced and exemplified the "Story-Without-End" narrative structure through the interactive VR movie "Déjà vu." This creative output not only demonstrated the practical application of the developed theoretical framework but also set a precedent for future narrative explorations in cinematic VR through offering original definitions and a novel narrative framework. This research significantly contributed to the discourse on interactive storytelling through real walking inside virtual story worlds, providing valuable insights for both academic scholars and practitioners in the field of cinematic VR.