How Do Information Games Apply Environmental Storytelling in Implicit Tutorials to Enable Players’ Knowledge Acquisition and Freedom to Explore?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-22Keywords:
information games, environmental storytelling, implicit tutorials, knowledge acquisition, freedom to exploreAbstract
This thesis explores the way environmental storytelling is applied to implicit tutorials in information games, which allows players to acquire knowledge and freely explore through experiential learning. By analyzing case studies of Chant of Sennaar (Rundisc, 2023), Outer Wilds (Mobius Digital, 2019) and Myst: Masterpiece Edition (Cyan Worlds Inc, 1999), based on cognitive psychology frameworks and theories, the possibility of using environmental storytelling to guide players’ perception, memory, attention and motivation is investigated. Findings suggest that balancing instructional clarity and autonomy is essential for successful tutorial design. The research provides insight for designers to improve both learning effectiveness and narrative enjoyment. Limitations include the focus on explorer-type players and the use of secondary qualitative analysis. Future research could employ empirical testing and explore applicability across broader game genres.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fei Zhang , Pengcheng Du (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
