Citizen science games enable public participation in scientific research, yet these games often struggle to engage wide audiences. As a potential solution, some game developers look to narrative as an experience-enhancing feature. Yet the impacts and affordances of narrative in citizen science games remain understudied, especially for games that require significant onboarding. Therefore, we investigated the effects of wrapping a story around the tutorial puzzles of the citizen science game Foldit. We found that the narrative increased the time players spent engaging with the game's tutorial and its scientific puzzles but did not substantially affect their progress through the tutorial. This article provides two major contributions: (1) empirical evidence detailing the impact of narrative on gameplay metrics in a citizen science game, including the relevant effects of genre preferences on engagement; and (2) recommendations on the use of narrative and its capacities in citizen science games. We conclude that the inclusion of a narrative can add valuable depth to the experience when designed thoughtfully and intentionally.

Abstract: This article explores the value of science fiction narratives in games for citizen science. Focusing on the protein-folding game Foldit, it describes the process of modifying and redesigning the game to feature a framing narrative and other alterations to the main tutorial campaign. The campaign narrative, Foldit: First Contact, situates the practices of citizen science in an expanded context of meanings and ethical implications, promoting critical self-reflection on the relations of science and civic values. A study of player responses to Foldit: First Contact suggests the significance of science fiction and critical game design for attuning citizen scientists to the collective responsibilities of experimentation and innovation, drawing attention to the intersecting social, technical, and environmental domains in which gamers may contribute to scientific research.