Igor's Second 🧠

    Spatial Communication

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKeUZVikPV8

    1. Present a clear objective

    Make the goal visible from where the player starts.

    • Removes blank canvas syndrome
    • Helps setup up sight lines
    • Gives the player a clear objective

    2. Motivate movement

    Make the path through a section of the level not that obvious.

    • Block the players sightlines
    • Make them move around to gather information
    • Force them to piece together a mental map

    3. Tear down walls

    Remove sections of regular geometry to break monotony, and to show the goal in a more clear way.

    • Still prevents players escaping
    • More visually engaging
    • Opportunities to reinforce goal

    4. Reveal information through new perspectives

    Lure the player into dead ends. Make sections of level clearly apparent only when backtracking

    • Create small pockets of tension
    • Then resolve the tension in surprising ways
    • Keep the player engaged and on their toes

    5. One-way valve

    Block off player from returning to the previous area

    • Gently nudges the player forwards
    • Helps prevent player from getting too lost
    • Creates a more manageable play space

    6. Present a privileged perspective

    Let the player view the area from a vantage point

    • Study environment and form plan from safety
    • Player pushes forwards when they are ready
    • Difficult to learn layout under stress

    7. The illusion of choice

    Make divergent paths through a section of the level that converge into one.

    • Multiple routes that converge on a single point
    • Unlikely player will see all routes
    • Makes the space feel larger than it is

    8. Attract the players attention

    Make the temporary goal more visible through use of light, color and composition

    • Movement will catch the players eye
    • Light makes geometry easier to read
    • Sound will draw the players attention

    9. Parallaxing elements

    Add things throughout the section of the level that define volume, to break the two-dimensionality. Things like support beams, furniture, columns, desks, etc.

    • Provide depth cues as the player moves
    • Makes it easier to judge distance
    • Creates a dynamic image

    10. Affordances communicate function

    Use recognizable shapes to mark the way forward: door arches, stairs, ramps, jump platforms.

    • Doors and archways afford moving into a new space
    • Steps afford climbing
    • Recognizable forms like these are strong attractors to players

    11. Creating mystery

    Add life to the scene with subtle animations

    • Door slightly ajar tells the player it can be opened
    • Door blocks view so player can't see what is behind it
    • Things the player assumes exists, but can't see creates curiosity and mystery

    12. Create short cuts

    Use dead-ends from before to get the player back to the previous stage of the level from another side. Have them unlock doors, push down ladders etc.

    • Allows access to earlier areas even when using one way valves
    • Players like to circumnavigate challenges
    • Makes space feel more accessible and believable

    13. Pinch points

    Use spaces player has to walk through as composition tools

    • Control the players movement and therefore their camera
    • Show the player something important
    • Doesn't take control away from player

    14. Build a vocabulary

    Using similar things for similar purposes: pipes to cross chasms, jumping platforms.

    • Build on ideas that you have taught the player
    • Use these ideas to seed plans in players mind
    • Satisfaction in both seeing these plans be subverted or play out as expected

    15. Safety nets

    Don't make areas you can't return from

    • Restarts break immersion and flow
    • Keep the player in the game as much as possible
    • Doesn't compromise or undermine challenge

    16. Path blockers

    Have the goal just behind a grate or see-through socked door, so the player has to circumnavigate it.

    17. Add temporary furniture

    When there aren't any assets, just throw stuff around the level.

    • Spaces feel larger when empty
    • Art will inevitably be added to space
    • Make sure your space is large enough to accomodate both gameplay and art

    18. Problem, solution ordering

    Present the player with problem first, solution next.

    • Try to ensure player recognizes the problem before they find solution
    • Confusing the player if they discover information out of order
    • Can make puzzle feel redundant

    19. Let the player get lost

    Don't always keep the goal in clear visibility. Make spaces that are harder to navigate through.

    • Getting lost creates tension in the players journey
    • Finding where you are again is satisfying
    • Constantly knowing where you are kills tension

    20. Build on uneven terrain

    Create the start, the end of the level, and fill in the space between with complicated terrain.

    • Forces interesting architectural compromises
    • Looks more natural and visually interesting
    • Encourages designer to build off grid

    #gamedev