Riding without Training Wheels: Communicating Objectives Using Implicit Communication Techniques
By: Robert Howard
Supervisor: Michael McCoy
Master of Interactive Technology degree conferred June 10, 2009
Thesis / Project completed June 10, 2009

Modern video games have increasingly relied on explicit communication techniques to explain objectives to the player. This communication most often takes the form of on-screen text. Some examples might be:

“Go here and push this button.”

“To open the door, you have to get the key from the warden.”

The use of explicit communication in this way has definitely made games easier. However, is explicit communication necessary to create an enjoyable experience that is satisfying for the player? This thesis explores the use of implicit communication techniques.

The study involved 21 testers, each of whom played a short single player level made using Unreal Tournament 3 (UT3), which did not include explicit communication. In order to solve and complete the level, the player has to take cues from the environment, interact with non-player characters (NPCs) for hints, and look for information in the gameplay itself.

Overall, the study was successful. A large majority of testers enjoyed the level and found the experience satisfying. Interestingly, a clear majority also indicated that they did not mind explicit communication.

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