A Multimodal Analysis of Immersion in Persona 5 Royal

This master’s thesis presents an analysis of immersion in the acclaimed videogame Persona 5 Royal. Drawing on the principles of multimodal analysis, the study explores the interplay of various elements, including narrative, language, characters, intertextuality, and visual design. Due to the area of study, the strongest emphasis will be put on language and linguistic elements specifically. Through the inclusion of the aforementioned fields, the research examines the codependence between the game’s various aspects. Firstly, the theoretical framework is established with the purpose of enumerating and defining the relevant fields of study, as well as certain central terms. Secondly, the game itself is briefly discussed in order to set the stage for the analysis that follows. In continuation, speech acts are examined inside and outside of combat with the focus on their type, frequency, and purpose. The section that follows is concerned with the protagonist and his representation in the game through tarot. Subsequently, the rest of the main cast is analyzed meticulously in regards to their speaking style. A linguistic profile is created for each of them, highlighting their unique personalities, interests, and backgrounds. The final chapter widens the scope of the analysis by peeling back the layers of the many instances of intertextuality within the game. It explains their significance and showcases how they serve to emphasize the game’s themes, characters, and narrative