Abstract
This thesis examines the use of the Teach–Reinforce–Master framework in video games. Specifically, the research explores whether players prefer to play through safe failure zones rather than unsafe zones in the reinforcement portion of a game-level tutorial. To test this hypothesis, the researcher created two levels for the game Half-Life 2. One level incorporates a series of best practices for safe failure zones, while the second level does not. The researcher explored whether implicit learning during the reinforcement stage in safe failure zones could be strengthened by implementing more optional paths, prohibiting the use of penalties, adding encouraging rewards, having immediate feedback, and increasing visual safety for practice, thereby enhancing the player experience. The researchers conducted multiple playtests to determine whether applying best practices to the “safe failure zone” in the reinforcement phase was effective in helping players practice and understand the game mechanics.
Degree Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Katie Wood Clark
Second Advisor
Karl Steiner
Third Advisor
Mike Porter
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professors Katie Wood Clark, Myque Ouellette, Mike Porter, Karl Steiner, and Aleshia Hayes for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the development of this thesis project. Their mentorship and encouragement made the completion of this work possible. I would also like to thank all my classmates in Guildhall C34, as well as the students from C33 and C35 who supported, encouraged, and participated in playtesting. Finally, I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their constant support, love, and warmth, which gave me the strength and motivation to accomplish such a significant project.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Hanyi, "Implicit Learning: Exploring Safe Failure Zones within the Teach–Reinforce–Master Framework" (2026). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 30.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/30
