Transmedia storytelling in video games: the league of legends arcane

Abstract

Treball de fi de màster Estudis Internacionals sobre Mitjans, Poder i Diversitat

Supervisora: Dr. Arciniega Cáceres Mittzy Jennifer

This research examines how the animated series League of Legends: Arcane connects with the League of Legends player base through transmedia storytelling strategies and analyzes how players participate in these strategies and develop engagement with the game. Through qualitative content analysis of Arcane and its linked content with the game, as well as interviews with eleven players, the study identifies three core transmedia storytelling mechanisms: distributed storytelling structure, media characteristics that lead to differences in content, and the co-constructive role of player communities in the storytelling. The study found that Arcane enhanced players’ understanding and engagement with their characters, prompting them to engage across multiple platforms. At the same time, players also participated in the storytelling process through sharing story and game behavior extension. This study expands the theoretical perspective of transmedia storytelling and emphasizes the importance of user experience and engagement.