Abstract
The purpose of this research is to integrate sound design techniques and practices into the larger level and game design process to provide greater support and motivations for players. The researcher created a custom single-player level in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that tasks the player with navigating an enchanted castle, relying on sound valences to guide their path. The researcher gathered data on the implemented sound valences by observing testers’ playtests, the navigational choices the testers made throughout the level, and the connotations of the sound valences themselves.
Degree Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Katie Wood Clark
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Professor Katie Wood Clark for her unwavering support and guidance throughout this process, as well as additional support and insights from Professor Mike Porter, Dr. Karl Steiner, Professor Myque Ouellette, and Dr. Robert J. Frank. Further thanks to all the faculty, staff, and students of SMU Guildhall, as well as the unending support of friends and family. Finally, thank you to you for taking the time to engage with my research!
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Baltzell, Kirk, "Sounds of the World: Guiding and Motivating Players Through Sound Valences" (2025). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 24.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/24
