Abstract
This research examines best practices for implementing Embedded Narrative in game levels and evaluates their application. Embedded Narrative refers to environmental clues and artifacts that are not part of the main story but invite players to piece together a backstory. Implementing Embedded Narrative adds depth to storytelling, provides context for the main story, and maintains player interest. This research focuses on Embedded Narrative that emphasizes past events, contextualizes the present narrative, and foreshadows upcoming story beats. Through analysis of existing games, four best practices were identified: (1) Embedded Narrative moments should support the main narrative, (2) Use proper pacing to balance players’ experience on Embedded Narrative moments and main story, (3) Embedded Narrative moments should be easy for players to discover, and (4) players should be encouraged to engage with Embedded Narrative moments. Based on these best practices, a single-player level was built in Dying Light. The results suggest that applying these best practices can enhance player story comprehension and immersion, though further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings.
Degree Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Myque Ouellette
Second Advisor
Aleshia Hayes
Acknowledgements
I want to thank Professor Myque Ouellette and Aleshia Hayes, for their detailed guidance and support throughout my thesis research. I also extend my sincere thanks to all the testers who dedicated their time to playing my level and filling my surveys. Lastly, thank all the faculty members who provide help with my academic research.
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Tianyu, "Best Practice: Implementing Embedded Narrative to Enhance Storytelling and Player Immersion" (2026). Level Design Theses and Dissertations. 43.
https://scholar.smu.edu/guildhall_leveldesign_etds/43
