Symbols and Visual Language

Last updated on October 13, 2023

also known as: Visual Design

Classification

#method
#medium/visual
#roles/designer #roles/artists
#used-by/designer #used-by/artist
#tools/digital #tools/non-digital

Intent

Visually communicate intentions to the player.
Focus the player’s attention.
Teach the player game mechanics.

Problem

As a designer, you want to find a way to show the player which mechanics can be used and when (both in and outside of a tutorial level).
How do you guide a player through a puzzle when certain mechanics are needed at specific points?
How do you assist players who have difficulty navigating, climbing buildings, or adjusting to the difficulty level?

Solution Approach

Utilize prefabricated assets as symbols that repeat throughout the level whenever a particular mechanic is required.
Guide the player through the level with visual cues.
Use symbols as a teaching method:
- Introduce them in tutorials and early levels, connecting them to specific mechanics (e.g., a question mark block in Mario signifies the ability to jump against it and receive a reward).
- Repeating these symbols reinforces the learning process.

Application

Input

A map or level-in-progress (optional but beneficial).
Fixed decisions on game mechanics.

Application

Create environmental symbols that guide the player through the level, provide hints about certain mechanics, etc.
- Ensure each symbol has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from similar environmental elements.
- Repeat each symbol to help the player learn when and how to use them.
Introduce symbols used for teaching in the first levels or tutorial levels and repeat them to reinforce learning.
Strategically place symbols and visual cues in later levels.
- Consider creating a schedule or Pacing Diagram exclusively for visual cues.
Plan your level’s puzzles and labyrinths with these symbols and visual cues.
- Position them strategically.
- Implement the “Rule of Thirds” by dividing the screen into three sections vertically and horizontally. Place elements along these lines to focus the player’s attention on key objects.
  - For example, “Journey”(2012) positions the player character on the first vertical line, covers the bottom third with a sand dune, and places the mountain (the game’s destination) in the center for a visually striking image.
Collaborate with the artist team to create these assets.
- Ensure symbols are clearly distinguishable from other assets (e.g., consider making an interactable door 3D to stand out from the 2D background).
- Utilize basic color theory and high-contrast elements to make assets stand out.
- Employ the concept of framing, using surrounding elements to direct the player’s attention to important objects (e.g., trees framing a storytelling-important statue).

Output

Symbols and visual cues as prefabricated assets for use in actual level construction, Asset.
Possibly, a schedule indicating when to incorporate each asset/visual cue, Timeline.

When to Use It

In the game development process during level design.
After deciding on game mechanics.
When considering level aesthetics.

Relevant Roles Using This Model

#roles/designer Designer #used-by/designer
#roles/artists Artist #used-by/artist

Relevance in the Following Processes

Game Development Pre-Production and Production phases.
Iterative Map Design when refining the map.
Gamespace Prototyping, as it contributes to enforcing mechanics.

Applicability

Finding a balance between providing too much and too little guidance to maintain the game’s challenge is essential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Clear communication with the player.
Reduces player frustration when they understand what to do.
Simplifies wayfinding by using symbols as guides.

Cons:

Symbols may blend with the environment if not distinguishable, leading to player frustration.
Risk of overengineering by overwhelming the level with visual cues.
Striking the right balance between assisting and challenging the player can be challenging.

Relation with Other Methods

Mood Boards assist in finding the appropriate aesthetic and conveying intentions through visuals.
Reference Collection can aid in selecting distinct shapes for symbols.
Drawing a Map because cues are part of the map.
Gym Scene: Test symbols with mechanics in a gym scene.
Pacing Diagram or Reward Schedule can serve as a blueprint for planning the appearance of symbols and visual cues.

Examples

Mario Tutorial Level introduces symbols and visual cues that are repeated over the whole game (Source: Totten 2019 - An Architectural Approach of Level Design, p. 174) (Source: Super Mario Bros. 1985)
The climbable walls in Tomb Raider are introduced early in the game and somewhat distinguish themselves from other rocks (Source: Tomb Raider, 2011)