Exploring terra incognita: wayfinding devices for games

Abstract

The ludic experience of exploring wilderness in gameworlds may be compromised by either the negative affects of disorientation or the conspicuous application of architectural principles known to support wayfinding. We use a novel device, inspired by insect navigation, to examine players' situated acquisition of spatial knowledge to enable them return to the origin of their route while they explore an unfamiliar, synthetic natural world. We describe qualitative and quantitative data on player behaviour and distill themes to inform subsequent designs to assist players fulfillment when exploring settings and interpreting them spatially.