Best Practices: Spatial Valence Theory to Encourage Exploration
Boheng WANG
Level Design
Best Practices: Spatial Valence Theory to Encourage Exploration
I used this thesis to investigate the concept of spatial valence in level design and to examine how designers can utilize this theory to encourage and guide player exploration within a game level. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the navigation aspect in level design by studying this topic.
My project examines how spatial valence theory informs element usage to better guide the player. This theory can be applied as a framework to study the conveyance of navigation( flow) in the level design and give some inspiration and cornerstones of consideration to those who continue the study.
The spatial valence theory focuses on the navigability that areas impart to the player through level elements and their visibility when the player is positioned at a specific area.
The artifact,“ Folds of Love,” is a singleplayer Starfield mod level, which is set in a canyon on the planet Jemison. The level features six pinch points, each corresponding to a unique goal area. With that design, we are able to examine how a player will respond to the designed area.
48 LEVEL DESIGN