A Tutorial in Play - Gaining an understanding of tutorial design in Action-Adventure and Action-RPG games.
Author
Eldrup, Nanna Kurtzmann
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2018
Submitted on
2018-10-15
Abstract
This thesis examines how game mechanic tutorials shape perceived playability and satisfaction in single-player Action-Adventure and Action-RPG titles. Framed by the research question of how satisfying in-game tutorial experiences are in Western and Eastern games, it conducts a comparative analysis of four critically acclaimed exemplars spanning both genres and regions: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Shadow of the Colossus, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix. Using a problem-based, iterative research design, the study combines first-hand playthroughs, a clear set of selection criteria, and relevant literature to: (1) define what an in-game tutorial is and how it teaches; (2) clarify the relationship between mechanics and gameplay within tutorial sequences; and (3) identify tutorial characteristics across Action-Adventure and Action-RPGs and between Western and Eastern design traditions. The analysis focuses on how tutorials integrate with narrative and systems, which elements support or disrupt immersion, and whether techniques can transfer across genres to strengthen the player experience. The work aims to distill practical design insights for future tutorial design; detailed findings and conclusions appear in later chapters and are not included in this excerpt.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan tutorials om spilmekanik påvirker den oplevede spilbarhed og tilfredshed i singleplayer action-adventure- og action-RPG-spil. Med udgangspunkt i forskningsspørgsmålet om, hvor tilfredsstillende in-game tutorial-oplevelser er i vestlige og østlige spil, sammenlignes fire kritikerroste titler, der repræsenterer både genrer og regioner: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Shadow of the Colossus, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim og Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix. Gennem en problemorienteret og iterativ undersøgelsesdesign kombineres egne gennemspilninger, et analytisk udvælgelseskriteriesæt og relevant litteratur for at: (1) definere, hvad en in-game tutorial er, og hvordan den underviser spilleren; (2) belyse relationen mellem spilmekanik og gameplay i tutorialforløb; og (3) identificere kendetegn ved tutorials på tværs af action-adventure og action-RPG samt mellem vestlige og østlige designtraditioner. Analysen fokuserer på, hvordan tutorials integreres i narrativ og systemer, hvilke elementer der understøtter eller bryder immersion, og hvorvidt greb kan overføres mellem genrer for at styrke oplevelsen. Specialet sigter mod at udlede praksisnære designindsigter, der kan informere fremtidigt arbejde med tutorials; detaljerede resultater og konklusioner præsenteres i de senere kapitler og fremgår ikke af dette uddrag.
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Keywords