Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2020
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPW)
Department
English
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Sergio C. Figueiredo
Co-Chair
Jeffrey D. Greene
Abstract
Game studies extends across many disciplines and has become an increasingly popular topic for academics. Many studies have been conducted to determine who plays games, why they play games, methods of constructing games, and what qualities create a positive experience for players. However, within current research and critiques, there is a lack of specific reasoning for how exactly developers can use this knowledge to create better, more immersive gaming experiences. Ultimately, a game’s success depends on its audience and, thus, it is crucial for research to take an audience-centered approach. This study takes an academic perspective in application to industry knowledge, using a rhetorical approach to examine the specific decisions developers make while creating persuasive user experiences. From prior scholarly and industry research, I have created a comprehensive theoretical framework with which to analyze games according to users’ experiences. This framework is applied to three games to serve as case studies for practical application of my research and I provide developers with specific recommendations for future projects. In conclusion, I discuss the potential for expansion upon my research and its overall benefits to the gaming industry.
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Creative Writing Commons, Rhetoric Commons, Technical and Professional Writing Commons