Spatial structure

A location-based mobile game depends on the characteristics of the physical space in which it takes place. In the same time it imposes a superstructure on the physical space that relates to the game only. This superstructure contains sections, areas, points etc., that may have special meaning in the frame of the game. Superstructures of physical locations may be designated in various ways:

  • as starting points, ending points, meeting points etc.
  • as locations where specific player actions can be carried out or have an in-game value, such as (points) to be gained, or be part of a conquer-defend or race pattern.
  • as locations that carry a special meaning in terms of the narrative, e.g. “this house is a prison”, or an NPC might live there etc, or form part of larger narrative.

A game tool such as a map may visualize important feature of space.