Interactive Storytelling

Do you prefer Interactive or traditional storytelling? Why?

While I typically prefer interactive storytelling, I still find immense value in tradition non-interactive stories. Interactivity brings your into the story, you become an active participant, and the result is made a as a part of your actions. This adds a whole new level to experiencing the story.

I think interactivity does place some limits on the story currently, it always has to end up in a certain number of permutations. This is more a result of the limits of current technology than any design decisions. A plot is usually a very complex thing, with near endless possibilities for how characters can act and how chances can result. In this way currently traditional stories are usually more nuanced in their character traits and plot details. Not having to depend on the viewer interactivity means the plot can move at practically any pace and potentially leave the viewer out on key details even though the characters themselves are aware. This can lead to a better viewer experience in the long run.

Still, I prefer interactive storytelling as it has the greatest potential for moving experiences once the technology is better suited to its purpose.