Next Victim
A first-person shooter prototype exploring how pacing drives player engagement.
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Project Overview
For my Master's project I undertook a comprehensive exploration of the impact of pacing on player engagement within level design, with a particular focus on a first-person shooter prototype. The investigation covered a wide array of aspects, including player behaviour, in pursuit of the secrets of effective pacing.
Research Objectives
- To analyse and respond to player behaviour through strategically crafted level-design pacing, ensuring a high level of player immersion.
- To examine the intricacies of pacing in a single-player first-person shooter level, uncovering the components that keep players invested in the experience.
Methodology
A first-person shooter prototype
A purpose-built FPS prototype with a single-level environment served as the centrepiece of the research. It was developed to industry standards to give players an engaging, memorable experience.
Playtesting and pacing analysis
A diverse pool of players took part in the playtesting phase, engaging with the prototype under controlled conditions. Their interactions were observed and analysed, with a focus on various pacing factors to surface patterns and insights.
Dynamic level-design pattern
The prototype's level design featured:
- Multiple diverse routes for players to explore
- Freedom and autonomy in navigation
- Strategic factors to maintain player interest
- Time-attack challenges
- Mission variations based on stealth vs. detection