Using Multi-Staged Puzzles To Improve Backtracking In Level Design,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Using Multi-Staged Puzzles To Improve Backtracking In Level Design, Yufei Tian
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This study explores the potential best practices in using multi-staged puzzles, which involve backtracking, in video games. The researcher focused on enhancing the players’ experiences by applying elements of the flow theory to an artifact level in Dying Light 2. Playtesters’ feedback suggested that best practices in multi-staged backtracking puzzles improve flow state entry and increase enjoyment.
Best Practices: Implementing Dense Level Design Through Reuse Of Space,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Best Practices: Implementing Dense Level Design Through Reuse Of Space, Shuo Zhang
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This research explores the correlation between Dense Level Design and the Reuse of Space in video games. It provides assumptions about best practices for implementing Reuse of Space to attain Dense Level Design. To evaluate these best practices, an artifact level is developed for Dying Light 2: Stay Human. The practices are evaluated through an analysis of survey results.
Using Graph Theory To Create A 3d Miniscaped, Non-Linear Level,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Using Graph Theory To Create A 3d Miniscaped, Non-Linear Level, Donghua Li
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This study focuses on how to use the Graph Theory and the Dominion Theory to design a three-dimensional (3D) non-linear, miniscaped level layout in a video game. Using these theories, the researcher aimed to aid players in navigating non-linear levels (which are notoriously difficult to traverse). Consequently, the researcher created a methodology outlining the best practices for constructing a level using Graph Theory and Dominion Theory. The researcher constructed a game level in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to explore the effectiveness of this methodology. Testers played the level and provided feedback regarding their experiences. The researcher analyzed this data …
Best Practices: Modulating Tension Using Contrast Lighting,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Best Practices: Modulating Tension Using Contrast Lighting, Jaye Marie Williams
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this thesis is to determine the best practices for modulating tension in a level through the use of contrast lighting. To test their theories, the researcher used variations of high and low contrast lighting when creating the artifact to elicit responses to tension from the player.
Prospect And Refuge: Modulating Level Pacing Through Spatial Composition,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Prospect And Refuge: Modulating Level Pacing Through Spatial Composition, Yifan Li
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the concepts of Prospect space and Refuge space in video games and their influences on game pace. Based on the assumption that a Prospect space increases pacing while a Refuge space decreases pacing, the researcher created a custom level artifact (using both space types) to achieve an ideal pacing curve. By analysing playtesters’ experiences, the researcher was able to examine the influence of Prospect and Refuge space on pacing and formulate a set of best practices to help game designers modulate pacing through spatial composition.
Using Push And Pull Principles To Improve Non-Linear Level Navigation,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Using Push And Pull Principles To Improve Non-Linear Level Navigation, Aiwen Zhang
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis studies the Player’s habits of navigation when they are in an open-world environment. It incorporates assumptions of best practices utilizing the Push and Pull level design theory that guides the Player in a free-flowing, exploratory environment and utilizes these practices in an open-world level in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Best Practices: Using Semiotics In Environmental Storytelling,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Best Practices: Using Semiotics In Environmental Storytelling, Conger He
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores an aspect of environmental storytelling known as “semiotics.” Semiotics conveys information and relevant interconnections to an individual through visual representations. There are diverse types of semiotic elements, including symbols, icons, and indexes. The researcher examined the use of semiotics in video games and derived seven best practices for conveying story beats and relaying aspects of a video game’s narrative. The researcher implemented these semiotic-related practices into a custom Fallout 4 level, gathered testers to play the level, and asked the testers to give their opinions on the experience. The researcher analysed the tester’s feedback to conclude whether …
Unveiling New Realms: Enhancing Procedural Narrative Generation And Npc Personalization Using Ai,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Unveiling New Realms: Enhancing Procedural Narrative Generation And Npc Personalization Using Ai, Tanishq Chawla
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
A System Design Framework used to train GPT - based agents can significantly help improve current Procedural Narrative and Character (NPC) Personality Generation Models in games. This approach can lead to a Richer Gameplay Experience that allows players to craft their own Personalized and Unique stories.
Shipwrecked Spaceship With Undersea Overgrowth And Dynamic Weather System,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Shipwrecked Spaceship With Undersea Overgrowth And Dynamic Weather System, Konstantine Soldatos
Art Theses and Dissertations
This artifact depicts an underwater overgrowth scene featuring coral, barnacles, sea urchins, and various sea-life enveloping the iconic Slave-1 ship from Star Wars. The ship exhibits visible damage to its hull and substructures, resulting from missile impacts and prolonged decay subsequent to a crash landing in the ocean. Consequently, remnants of destroyed substructures are interspersed with coral growth, transforming the ship into an artificial reef. The artifact comprises four distinct scenes: an initial pristine underwater environment teeming with flourishing kelp, vibrant sea life, and animated corals; a subsequent chaotic scene depicting a vortex that evacuates the water from the environment; …
A Deep Dive On The Groundbreak Role Of Role Playing Games,
2024
University of San Jose Recoletos
A Deep Dive On The Groundbreak Role Of Role Playing Games, Lawton Fong
ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies
Role-playing games (RPGs) have revolutionized the gaming industry, fundamentally altering the way we engage with and perceive games. RPGs are defined by their emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay, character development, and immersive worlds. Originating from tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), RPGs have evolved into complex digital experiences that allow players to interact with richly detailed virtual environments and storylines. This genre's growth has been propelled by advances in technology, expanding from simple text-based adventures to fully realized 3D worlds. Overall, role-playing games have significantly influenced the gaming landscape and transformed our perceptions of games as interactive experiences by advancing …
Utilizing Valence Theory To Influence Player Navigation In First-Person Shooter Multiplayer Maps,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Utilizing Valence Theory To Influence Player Navigation In First-Person Shooter Multiplayer Maps, Yousha Qu
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This research explored tactical & visual valences, different valence weights and the transformation of valences under different circumstances in first-person shooter multiplayer maps, then incorporated them into a level artifact, utilizing the valences to influence player navigation.
Using Spatial Composition To Influence Player Tension,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Using Spatial Composition To Influence Player Tension, Canny Yuan
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis focuses on how space and level geometry in a video game influence a person’s tension. The researcher explored a few potential best practices, which a level designer might utilize when employing spatial composition in video games. By modifying a space's density, size, and openness, a designer can effectively increase or decrease the player’s spatial tension. To explore the effectiveness of the best practices and the related spatial methodology, the researcher recruited playtesters to play the thesis artifact, a customized game level in Dying Light called, “A Way Out.” The researcher then analyzed the heart rates and experiences of …
Best Practices For Teaching Shifting Gameplay Styles,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Best Practices For Teaching Shifting Gameplay Styles, Matthew Grabowski
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis explores four different methods (Golden Path, Punishers & Reinforcers, Teaching in Threes, and Forced Teaching) for teaching players how to engage with shifting gameplay styles within video games using Nico Fridja’s Valence Theory [1]. Using the Far Cry 5 Arcade Editor, the researcher created a single-player video game level in which all four teaching methods were tested in tandem with one another. The goal of creating this level was to evaluate the validity of the teaching methods and their ability to shift gameplay valences, specifically between stealth-focused gameplay and push-forward firefight combat gameplay.
Best Practices: Encouraging The Modality Between Melee And Ranged Combat Styles,
2024
Southern Methodist University
Best Practices: Encouraging The Modality Between Melee And Ranged Combat Styles, Austyn Wiles
Level Design Theses and Dissertations
This thesis aims to determine what gameplay factors encourage and discourage players from switching between melee and ranged playstyles while in combat scenarios. The practices for the artifact were found in action-focused video games and then incorporated into a standalone level in a Dying Light mod.
Finding Identities: Identities In Video Games From A Gender, Race, And Identity Representation,
2024
San Jose State University
Finding Identities: Identities In Video Games From A Gender, Race, And Identity Representation, Osayame Erinmwingbovo
ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies
In this paper I will bring light to the exploration of gender, race, and identity in video games. While also having a focus on how the representation crosses with social and cultural contexts. I will be researching different games from many different genres, which will show light to the way video games reflect and shape societal attitudes towards gender, race, and identity. When using close textual analysis and theoretical framework from topics that include critical race theory, media, and feminist theory. This research will help to seek to explore the nuances and complexities of representation in gaming which implicates video …
Spirits Of The King,
2024
DePaul University
Spirits Of The King, Ali Al-Ani
College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations
Spirits of the King (SotK) is a 1v1 card game where players use essential resources to conjure spirits from a shared pool to defeat their opponent. Players must make strategic sacrifices to keep themselves from danger or to threaten their opponent, ultimately revealing how much they are willing to risk for victory. The themes, mechanics, and material design of SotK are very heavily inspired by information found in Aleister Crowley’s The Lesser Key of Solomon.
Athalea: Fear And Hate,
2024
DePaul University
Athalea: Fear And Hate, Santiago Posada-Jaramillo
College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations
Athalea: Fear and Hate is a single-player 2D role-playing video game (RPG) for PC using pixel art and a minimalistic aesthetic. Through conversations, environmental storytelling, and the main character’s own thoughts, the game explores, through a critical lens, fascist rhetoric and the way that fascists use power in order to help the player to be better equipped to properly understand how fascism operates. Different from traditional portrayals in media that tend to use an easily identifiable set of symbols and historical references, Athalea: Fear and Hate exposes fascism in a different context with the goal of making the core of …
Candy Costume Royal,
2024
Lindenwood University
Candy Costume Royal, Nala Scott
Game Design
A board game where player compete to be the best dressed on the board. Players race to make the best outfit and reach the end of the board first.
Treasure Quest,
2024
Lindenwood University
Treasure Quest, Dani Rosenberger
Game Design
A competitive board game where players are pit against each other to find a lost treasure on a mysterious island. Who will be the first to claim great riches?
Narrative World Building: Creative Applications For Gamification In Study Abroad,
2024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Narrative World Building: Creative Applications For Gamification In Study Abroad, Ashley Lear
Publications
This study examined a cohort of 12 study abroad participants taking a course on video game topography and narrative in Salamanca, Spain, to determine how inhabiting and co-creating narrative worlds as part of the coursework might impact the experiences of the students inside and outside of the classroom as they engaged in mandated and optional cultural engagement activities, such as museum tours and excursions to historical sites. Students completed two gameful learning activities: 1) they co-created their own narrative game world in a group game proposal assignment drawing upon research from storytelling through game environments, and 2) they created independent …
