MSc Serious Games & Virtual Reality School of Innovation & Technology
Zihui Liu
My research focuses on how visual elements convey implicit narrative messages. The primary objective of this study is to systematically uncover the mechanisms through which visual elements contribute to narrative construction in 3D immersive games, and to validate the perceptibility and efficacy of these mechanisms through empirical data. This aims to provide practical strategies for future game design and interactive narrative research.
Projects
Graduation Project
My project is an interactive narrative game developed using Unreal Engine 5, centred around 3D puzzle-solving. The objective extends beyond mere game creation to explore how visual elements influence narrative structure within 3D environments. Players must deduce the story’s context by observing scene lighting, colour schemes, and object placement. Following exploration, they must answer deductive questions. Should all answers prove correct, the player prevails.
During development, to enhance the player’s exploratory experience, I designed several hidden details and clues that players must observe to piece together the narrative. I have prepared screenshots clearly illustrating the specific uses of lighting, colour, and object placement within the game.
