Impact Of Level Design On Player Engagement In Horror Games.

Authors: Animesh Gabhane

Abstract: Level design has a very important role in games that make the player feel present, especially in horror games where the setting, suspense, and the tempo of the game are the basis of players' engagement. The present study investigates what the specific elements of level design for horror games are and how they affect the player engagement. Using the existing literature and player feedback the research is centered on the organization and coherence of space, lighting, environmental storytelling, and pacing as the main components of the design. The mixed-method research design that presented in the paper involved different approaches such as gameplay observation, survey data, and player interviews all of which were used to analyse emotion and player experiences from various design choices. The results show that the prison-like passage, changing the lighting, and the plot were all strong contributors to the fear and the feeling of being in the game; and these lead to very high engagement. The research paper closes with the presentation of the recommendations for the design that will make horror environments challenging and loaded with emotion.

DOI: http://doi.org/