Abstract
This thesis explores an aspect of environmental storytelling known as “semiotics.” Semiotics conveys information and relevant interconnections to an individual through visual representations. There are diverse types of semiotic elements, including symbols, icons, and indexes. The researcher examined the use of semiotics in video games and derived seven best practices for conveying story beats and relaying aspects of a video game’s narrative. The researcher implemented these semiotic-related practices into a custom Fallout 4 level, gathered testers to play the level, and asked the testers to give their opinions on the experience. The researcher analysed the tester’s feedback to conclude whether these best practices were truly successful or not.
Degree Date
Spring 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.I.T.
Department
Level Design
Advisor
Katie Wood Clark
Acknowledgements
The researcher would like to thank and acknowledge: Professor Katie Wood Clark, the advisor for this thesis. All playtesters who participated in this thesis’ testing process. You, who’s reading this postmortem right now!
Format
Recommended Citation
C. He, “Best Practices: Using Semiotics in Environmental Storytelling,” thesis
