Jordan Espenilla

Hello!

My name is Jordan Espenilla. I grew up 3rd grade in Iowa, then lived rest of my life in Oahu, Hawaii. I attended James Campbell High school for two years, then transferred to Waipahu High School for two years and graduated. I've been in UH West Oahu since Freshman year. If I were an artistʻs tool, I would be a mechanical pencil. I love the convenience of the mechanical pencil. It doesn't compromise on the detail it can dish out either. A mechanical pencil is good from start to end, creating concept arts, then finally creating small details and finalizing it into the finished product.

Research Topic: Music and Video Games

Research Question: What is the impact that music can make when incorporated into a video games narrative?

Abstract:

Music is the cornerstone of expression and narrative storytelling for video games. This paper investigates the profound impact of music on narrative structure and player experience, using the Dark Souls trilogy as a focal case study. Integrating insights from neuroscientific research by Michael A. Arbib and others, it examines the cognitive and emotional processes involved in musical perception, emphasizing the roles of the auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. By analyzing how Dark Souls employs leitmotifs, harmonic dissonance, and dynamic compositions, this study elucidates the mechanisms through which music reinforces thematic elements, evokes emotional responses, and shapes player immersion. Furthermore, it explores how musical motifs in Dark Souls operate as narrative devices that not only convey character and setting but also facilitate memory retention and player engagement. In doing so, this paper underscores music’s function as a narrative conduit that connects gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and psychological resonance, advancing our understanding of music’s integral role in video game narrative design.

Capstone Project: Roblox Game

Project Title: Untitled

Capstone Proposal:

CREATIVE PROCESS:

The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.

DELIVERABLE:

Building on his study of the Dark Souls trilogy—where he examined how leitmotifs, harmonic tension, and dynamic compositions shape emotion, memory, and player immersion—Jordan applied these principles to his own game design. His project explores how music can function as a narrative device, reinforcing theme, atmosphere, and player experience through intentional sound cues and emotional pacing. By merging neuroscientific insights on musical perception with practical game development, Jordan’s capstone demonstrates how sound and narrative can work together to create a cohesive and resonant gameplay experience.

Go and check it out!

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