Adaptive Audio as Narrative: Designing a Serious Game for Chagas Disease Awareness

• Moisés I. Rodrigues UEPG
• Jocemar Q. Chagas UEPG

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbgames_estendido.2026.24073

Resumo

Introduction: This paper presents the ongoing development of a mobile-first serious game inspired by a science theater production addressing Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease with significant social and health impacts in Brazil. Rather than relying primarily on textual explanations or instructional mechanics, the project adopts a “Show, Don't Tell” design philosophy in which narrative meaning emerges through environmental storytelling, non-verbal interaction, and adaptive audio. Objective: The primary objective is to investigate how adaptive audio can function as a narrative device within a health-focused serious game. The project employs environmental storytelling and audio-centered design to represent themes related to Chagas disease through sensory experience rather than direct exposition. A central technical objective is the implementation of an adaptive audio architecture using FMOD integrated with Godot Engine, enabling dynamic sound behaviors that respond to gameplay states and narrative progression. Steps: The development process follows an iterative workflow beginning with greybox prototyping and validation of core gameplay systems. The proposed audio architecture is organized around gameplay states associated with different narrative and physiological conditions. Through FMOD middleware, adaptive sound behaviors are controlled using spatial audio cues, Real-Time Parameter Controls (RTPCs), and state-based audio management to support navigation, symptom representation, and narrative transitions. Current development includes a functional prototype validating FMOD integration, directional audio guidance, and RTPC-driven sound behavior. Expected Results: The project aims to investigate how adaptive audio and environmental storytelling can enhance immersion, narrative comprehension, and emotional engagement. Planned evaluation activities include usability sessions and qualitative feedback discussions with participants associated with the science theater initiative that inspired the project. The study will examine how players interpret environmental and auditory cues and understand disease-related narrative progression without relying on explicit textual explanations.

Palavras-chave: Serious Games, Technical Audio Design, FMOD, Chagas Disease, Environmental Narrative

Referências

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