Project info
- Developer Michael Boland
- Showcase year 2023
- Programme Game Design and Production
Synopsis
This project looks to investigate potential game design solutions for making traversal in games with open-ended levels more compelling. The project implements a crossword puzzle mini-game and an actively conversing companion. By intertwining these systems together, it's hoped that traversal becomes more dynamic, thoughtful and enjoyable. Importantly, these activities don't interrupt or stall the player's travelling experience, as they are designed to be done whilst still moving. The prototype has the player take on the role of a travelling merchant, newly arrived on an island with the end goal of helping a friendly companion get to the island's main town. When traversing throughout the island, the player can trade with villages and talk to the villagers. By communicating with them and their companion, the player will learn about the island - which may help them complete the crossword puzzles of their companion's strange friend.
Making Open-Ended Traversal More Compelling Through Game Design
An investigation into game design solutions for making traversal in games with open-ended levels more compelling as its own gameplay experience.
Credits
'Making Open-Ended Traversal More Compelling Through Game Design' is a 2023 Digital Graduate Show project by Michael Boland, a Games Design and Production student at Abertay University.
Project Motivation
From a personal standpoint, I took on this project because I’ve got a personal interest in the quieter moments in games. Traversal is often a chance for the player to take a break from the busier, more intense gameplay found in open world games (such as their combat sections); however I feel like it's often leave this relatively under-developed as it's not a point of interest for most of those games.
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