Using Object Density to Modulate Tension Responses
Yidi“ Edith”
Yidi“ Edith” WANG
Level Design
Using Object Density to Modulate Tension Responses
This thesis explores the relationship between object density in video games. Expanding on SMU Guildhall Cohort 32 alumnus Canny Yuan’ s work,‘ Using Spatial Composition to Influence Player Tension,’ I introduced a deeper approach to measuring room density and proposed that increased navigable space can lower player tension.
To test this hypothesis, I developed a custom single-player level,“ Veylmoor,” within The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The level is comprised of rooms that have systematically varied spatial layouts and navigable areas, allowing for a controlled analysis of spatial density effects. I quantified room density using four distinct metrics, which I implemented through custom C # scripts. Player tension was assessed using heart rate data and postplay surveys, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed methodology.
I chose to pursue this project because of my deep interest in understanding how spatial density impacts emotional responses. The research took approximately five months. Throughout this work, I learned C # and gained a deeper understanding of controlling player tension through level design.
This project has applications in the video game industry, as the techniques I developed for quantifying density could be applied across various game genres to help designers to better manage and influence player tension.
50 LEVEL DESIGN