The Invisible Wall: A Critical Examination of Fourth Wall Breaks in Video Games

This paper explores how the fourth wall concept has evolved from traditional media to video games, focusing on its influence on player experience. Video game players, as active participants, prompt a reevaluation of the fourth wall by engaging directly with the narrative. We analyze the use of complex narrative techniques, especially fourth wall breaks, to enhance player immersion and agency. Recognizing players as essential components of the game's architecture highlights the need for updated theoretical frameworks that address the intricate interactions between game narratives and player engagement. This research demonstrates that fourth wall breaks not only enrich narrative involvement but also fundamentally transform player participation, providing new insights into the narrative dynamics of video games and their impact on player experience.