“Her Story” is a groundbreaking interactive narrative game that immerses players in a nonlinear storytelling experience through its innovative use of video clips and keyword searching. The core mechanic of the game revolves around a search bar that players utilize to query a police database filled with interview footage of a woman connected to a mysterious crime. Each search returns up to five video clips, presented in chronological order, that directly reference the inputted word or phrase from the available transcripts.

The design encourages players to engage in a form of digital detective work. As they watch each clip, they glean insights and hints that guide them in crafting their subsequent searches. This encourages a deep level of observation and critical thinking, as players must synthesize information from various clips to comprehend the overarching narrative and piece together the woman’s story. Unlike traditional linear narratives, where information is presented in a predetermined sequence, “Her Story” gives players the autonomy to direct their own investigation. This freedom allows for personalized storytelling experiences, where players may uncover different aspects of the narrative based on the terms they choose to explore.

A notable aspect of the game is its lack of restrictions on accessing content. There are no hidden clips that lock away vital pieces of the story based on a player’s initial searches; instead, the only limitation is the number of clips displayed per search. This encourages iterative exploration, where players refine their queries after each new clip and aspire to uncover more complex layers of the narrative. The interaction mimics real-world investigative practices, where researchers and detectives often sift through vast amounts of data to make connections and draw conclusions.

The overall experience is enhanced by the game’s realistic portrayal of the interview process, marked by the woman’s emotional depth and the fragmented nature of her responses. As players navigate through the available content, they are not just passive consumers of a story; they are active participants in an unfolding mystery, shaping their understanding and emotional responses to the narrative as they go along.

In essence, “Her Story” stands out as a captivating example of how gaming can push the boundaries of narrative structures, creating an engaging experience that blurs the lines between storytelling and interactive investigation, ultimately allowing players to define their own journey through the material.