Storytelling has always been a powerful way to share ideas, emotions, and knowledge. From folk tales to novels and films, stories shape how we understand the world. Today, storytelling has evolved into an exciting new form called interactive storytelling, where the audience does not just listen or watch but actively participates in shaping the narrative.
Interactive storytelling allows users to make choices that influence the plot, characters, and endings. It can be experienced through video games, mobile apps, websites, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and even classroom activities. Instead of a single fixed storyline, interactive stories offer multiple paths, making each experience unique and engaging.
For school and college students, interactive storytelling is both fun and educational. In classrooms, teachers use it to make lessons more engaging. For example, history students can “step into” historical events and make decisions as leaders, while science students can explore problem-solving scenarios through story-based simulations. This approach improves critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and decision-making, as students learn that every choice has consequences.
According to Prakhar Srivastav, an alumni from Apeejay Stya University (ASU), “Interactive storytelling also blends multiple disciplines—writing, technology, design, psychology, and media. A strong story still needs compelling characters and a clear plot, but it also requires logical branching, user-friendly design, and emotional engagement. This makes it an excellent learning tool for students interested in both the arts and sciences.”
“From a career perspective, interactive storytelling opens doors to many exciting fields. Careers include game designer, narrative designer, scriptwriter for games and apps, UX (user experience) writer, VR/AR content creator, digital media producer, and educational content developer. With the rise of gaming, e-learning platforms, immersive journalism, and metaverse experiences, the demand for professionals who can combine storytelling with technology is growing rapidly,” he said.
Students interested in this field can start by developing writing skills, learning basic coding or game design tools, and exploring platforms like interactive fiction tools, game engines, or digital media software. Courses in creative writing, animation, media studies, computer science, or design can all lead to opportunities in interactive storytelling.