Abstract

This research examines the integration of real world navigation techniques such as wayfinding, affordances and desire paths with game design methodologies to aid the player experience, within the game Edelmoore; an open world fantasy exploration game.

Video games are curated experiences situated both in the physical and digital world. Our immersion in a game is influenced not only by what is directly on the screen, but our real world experience. Wayfinding is a term given to many forms of navigation and spatial problem solving. From the urban designs of signs, roads, maps and buildings to our inherent connection with nature; utilizing the stars, plants and landmarks around us. Wayfinding design is a curated and specific system of signs, architecture, paths and language. This kind of system is seen within video games as well. Through the usage of textures, user interface, mechanics, dialogue and objectives/quests the player is able to navigate the virtual space. The more games a person plays the more they can recognize these systems, although this knowledge isn’t directly transferable between games.(Celia Hodent 2:17). What can we do as game designers to keep a player immersed? One component of maintaining immersion is facilitating curiosity and rewarding it through considered spatial, narrative and mechanical design. Through utilising their pre-existing knowledge of game affordances, signifiers and mechanics as well as real world spatial navigation and problem solving the game space becomes more easily navigated, creating a cycle of achievement and satisfaction.

Throughout the creation and development of Edelmoore, design decisions consider the intersection of wayfinding principles of function, structure and cultural context with game design methodologies, mechanics, user interface and worldbuilding. Specifically, the project investigates how the combination of these two practices can aid game development and the player experience. 

Keywords 

Wayfinding, game design, navigation, user experience, user interface, immersion, interactivity.

Research Question:

How can the integration of real world navigation aids and techniques with game design methodologies be demonstrated to another game designer?