A study on how different level designs can impact player experience

Khoo, Zi Jian (2026) A study on how different level designs can impact player experience. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

This study explores how level design affects player immersion and engagement across different video game genres. While many studies focus on gameplay mechanics and storytelling, the role of level design—such as the structure, atmosphere, and visual presentation of game environments—has received less attention. Using the narrative-driven puzzle game Dream Nightmare as a case study, this research combines development observations and player questionnaires to examine how factors like spatial layout, pacing, environmental cues, and storytelling influence the player experience. The findings reveal clear differences between complex game genres, such as Metroidvania games that encourage exploration, backtracking, and interconnected progression, and simpler genres like endless runners that rely more on repetition and randomized obstacles. Despite these differences, the study found that environmental storytelling elements such as lighting, sound design, and visual cues can still create strong immersion, even in mechanically simple games. Both the survey results and thematic analysis showed that players appreciate a balance between freedom and guidance, with environmental storytelling playing an important role in maintaining engagement and emotional connection. This research contributes to both academic studies and practical game development by providing a better understanding of how level design shapes player experiences. It highlights the importance of creating levels that balance challenge, accessibility, and narrative elements in order to improve player satisfaction and create more engaging gameplay experiences for players

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