Fate, Determinism, and Free Will in Dark Fantasy Games: A Compatibilist Analysis

Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in social science, education and humanities research 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yongfu Gao
DOI: 10.2991/978-2-38476-541-6_94
Cited by: 0
References: 2

Abstract

This paper examines the philosophical tension among fatalism, determinism, and free will in dark fantasy games, using Black Myth: Wukong as a case study.Through the lens of compatibilism, the study explores how predetermined narrative structures can still offer players meaningful choices, enabling agency within constraint.By combining theoretical analysis and participant observation, this research reveals how dark fantasy games create space for both fate and freedom, providing new insights into interactive narrative design.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Free Will and Agency Digital Games and Media Philosophical Ethics and Theory

Publication details

Journal / source
Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in social science, education and humanities research
Pages
849–859
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN