In the summer of 2021, Hartmut Koenitz and Frank Nack approached me about establishing a journal for the Association for Research in Digital Interactive Narrative (ARDIN). They presented a challenge: to create an academic platform that not only discussed but also embodied the interactive narratives at the heart of our field. Traditional PDFs often render the dynamic elements of our work static, losing the interactivity that defines them. Today, we stand on the brink of change. In just a few weeks, the new Journal of Interactive Narrative will release its inaugural digital issue, featuring interactive artifacts, code, and narrative experiences that its authors have both analyzed and, at times, created. This format allows readers to transition fluidly between scholarly critique and the artifacts themselves, engaging with both in a rich, integrated academic environment.
Our journal’s mission is deeply rooted in the values of ARDIN and the International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling (ICIDS). From the outset, we aimed to craft a publication that was broad in scope and inclusive of diverse narrative forms, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of our field. The support from Carnegie Mellon University’s ETC Press has been instrumental, enabling us to experiment and innovate beyond conventional academic publishing constraints. Together, we are setting a new standard for scholarly communication in interactive narrative, making it more accessible, engaging, and vibrant.
Creating this journal was no small feat. Assembling the right team, working with authors to adapt their interactive works for the web, and managing the everyday logistics of a scholarly journal were daunting tasks compounded by the geographical spread and busy schedules of our international contributors. My call for help at the ICIDS conference in Kobe, Japan, was met with enthusiastic support, and soon after, we had a solid plan. Now, as the final touches are being applied—cross-referencing articles, assigning DOIs, and completing copyedits—I am reminded of the adage that good things take time. If the effort invested is anything to go by, we are on the cusp of something truly exceptional.
The creation and launch of this journal could not have happened without the collective effort of many. I am particularly grateful to Marcos Eduardo Figueiredo for his insights on peer review and to Mads Haahr for enriching our discussions. Agnes Bakk’s coordination skills have been indispensable. I must also thank the entire editorial board for their diligent reviews and Brad King of ETC Press for his pivotal role in our launch. My graduate student, Oluwatoyosi Ogunsola, provided helpful usability testing in the final phases before launch. Financial oversight by Frank Nack and the visionary leadership of my friend and Editor-in-Chief Hartmut Koenitz have been crucial. To all involved, your contributions are deeply appreciated.
Consider our first issue a starting point, a prototype from which we will continue to evolve. We have developed a new, more flexible platform for submissions and content display, which will be integrated into our processes for the second issue. Additionally, I am excited about creating opportunities for graduate students and junior scholars who wish to contribute to managing and editing the journal
This is a thrilling time for the field of Interactive Digital Narrative. Communities like INDCOR, ARDIN, Zip-Scene, and ICIDS are flourishing, with new academic programs emerging to further our understanding of complex narratives. Interactive narratives offer profound insights into our intricate world. I invite you to join our community, explore the articles, and subscribe to the journal. Watch for our call for papers for the second issue—we eagerly anticipate your contributions and engagement.
Yours in the process,
Joshua A. Fisher, Ph.D.
The Center for Emerging Media Design and Development, Ball State University
