Best Practices of Using Embedded Narrative to Increase Emotional Impact in the Survival Horror Genre
Peyton WALKER
Level Design
Best Practices of Using Embedded Narrative to Increase Emotional Impact in the Survival Horror Genre
The goal of this Thesis was to explore guidelines and techniques which can be utilized to increase a player’ s experience with embedded narrative. The tested practices revolved around planning narrative content from a holistic and structural standpoint, as well as how to make scenes stand out and immerse the player. These practices are meant to increase exposure and engagement in order to elicit narrative understanding, resulting in a bigger emotional response.
The project took place over 11 months, from planning and production through testing and analysis. Testing revealed interesting insights about each best practice. Overall, embedded narrative that saw higher levels of reported understanding also saw higher reported emotional responses. I hope more designers can utilize these practices and insights to continue making impactful survival horror narrative.
I chose this project because I have always had a love for the survival horror genre, especially games that not only deliver scares, but a great story too. These games are the ones that have stayed with me the most. I want more people to have these memorable experiences, and I believe that sources from designers crafting scenes with deep planning and intention.
62 LEVEL DESIGN