Abstract
This research explores the relationship between traditional storytelling techniques and the reuse of space and attempts to evaluate the relationship’s effectiveness in enhancing the player’s immersion in both narrative and gameplay. The researcher investigates various concepts, such as mental mapping, spaced learning, and thematic affordances, to understand how players remember previously visited spaces. Based on these practices, the researcher built a custom single-player level in Dying Light, where players assist a trapped non-player character (NPC) in searching for his coworkers. As players complete objectives, they simultaneously familiarize themselves with the environment and revisit spaces guided by narrative signifiers. To assess the impact of spatial reuse on a player’s narrative and gameplay experience, the researcher collected data from multiple playtests and analyzed participants' comprehension of the story and level layout.
Degree Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Katie Wood Clark
Acknowledgements
I am deeply grateful to my thesis advisor, Professor Katie Wood Clark, for her detailed guidance and unwavering support throughout my thesis project. I also extend my sincere thanks to all the playtesters who dedicated their time to playing my level and providing invaluable feedback. Lastly, I appreciate your interest in my work and thank you for taking the time to engage in it.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Yang, Yuning, "Best Practices: Reusing Space to Enhance Narrative Immersion" (2025). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 23.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/23
