Claire Dormann and Günter Wallner
pp. 32 – 61, download
(https://doi.org/10.55612/s-5002-065-001)
Abstract
Maps are critical elements of video games that provide an alternative representation of the game world. While navigation is considered an essential function of game maps, they play additional selective roles in and have multiple functions that influence players’ experiences. To refine our understanding of the complexity and intricacies of their design, we conducted a thematic analysis of online posts dedicated to this subject. In these posts, authors share their understanding of and critical perspectives on video game maps. Our findings illustrate aspects of the cartographic process. We first show how maps work as information systems. Then, aesthetics and usability are introduced as salient facets of their design. We further highlight playful aspects and how maps work as ludonarrative devices. We believe that designers will benefit from our analysis, helping them to craft innovative games and entertaining cartographic experiences. Lastly, we further outline a new research agenda dedicated that domain.
Keywords: video game map, design, thematic analysis, cartography, navigation, aesthetics, usability, playfulness.
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Ludography
2K Boston: BioShock. [PC] (2007)
Amplitude Studios: Endless Legend. [PC] (2014)
Atlus: Etrian Odyssey. [Nintendo DS] (2007)
Bethesda Game Studios: Fallout 3. [PC] (2008)
Bethesda Game Studios: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. [PC] (2002)
Creative Assembly: Alien: Isolation. [PC] (2014)
BioWare: Dragon Age II. [PC] (2011)
Black Isle Studios: Planescape: Torment. [PC] (1999)
Blizzard Entertainment: World of Warcraft. [PC] (2004)
Blue Sky Productions: Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss. [PC] (1992)
Bungie, Halo Studios: Halo (franchise). [various] (2001)
Campo Santo: Firewatch. [PC] (2016)
Capcom Production Studio 1: Dead Rising. [Xbox 360] (2006)
CD Projekt Red: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. [PC] (2015)
Creative Assembly: Total War: Warhammer II. [PC] (2017)
EA Redwood Shores: Dead Space. [Xbox 360] (2008)
Edgeworks Entertainment: TerraGenesis. [PC] (2016)
FromSoftware: Elden Ring. [PC] (2022)
IMGN.PRO: Kholat. [PC] (2015)
IonFX: Miasmata. [PC] (2012)
Iron Gate Studio: Valheim. [PC] (2021)
Limbic Entertainment: Might and Magic Heroes VII. [PC] (2015)
Looking Glass Studios: Thief: The Dark Project. [PC] (1998)
Millet, Titouan: Mu Cartographer. [Windows] (2016)
Monolith Productions: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. [PC] (2014)
Nintendo EPD: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. [Wii U] (2017)
Nintendo R&D4: Super Mario Bros. 3. [NES] (1990)
Obsidian Entertainment: Tyranny. [PC] (2016)
Pipapo Games: Map Map – A Game About Maps. [Windows] (tba)
Rare: Perfect Dark Zero. [Xbox 360] (2005)
Retro Studios: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. [Wii] (2007)
Rockstar Games: Red Dead Redemption 2. [PS4] (2018)
Rockstar North: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. [PS2] (2004)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, New Entertainment R&D Dept., Syn Sophia: Yakuza (franchise). [Various] (2005)
Stoic: The Banner Saga. [PC] (2014)
Sucker Punch Productions: Ghost of Tsushima. [PS4] (2020)
Team Silent: Silent Hill 2. [PS2] (2001)
Ubisoft Montreal: Far Cry 2. [PC] (2008)
Ubisoft Montreal: Assassin’s Creed Unity. [PC] (2014)
Ubisoft Montreal: Far Cry 4. [PC] (2014)
Ubisoft Montreal: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. [PC] (2020)
Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Milan: Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. [PC] (2005)
Ubisoft Quebec: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. [PC] (2018)
ZeniMax Online Studios: The Elder Scrolls Online. [PC] (2014)