Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of different composition techniques on player exploration motivation in open-world games. The Researcher forms assumptions regarding good composition strategies, then utilizes the suggested best practices in a composition-focused level in Metro Exodus using Exodus SDK and validates this hypothesis through analysis of playtest results.
Degree Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Mike Porter
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to my thesis advisor, Professor Mike Porter, for his patience and thorough guidance throughout the research process and his detailed playtesting feedback. I would also like to thank Professor Katie Wood Clark for her advice and feedback. For all playtesters, thank you for taking the time to test the levels and helping me collect research data.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Wang, Wilbur, "Composition Strategies to Motivate Player Exploration" (2025). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 25.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/25
