Map Design in Games is Strange

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides substantial value by synthesizing insights from game design, philosophy, and cartography. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding maps in games, moving beyond superficial discussions of size to explore their deeper significance. The argumentation is solid, supported by specific game examples and references to academic works and GDC talks. The creator builds a coherent thesis that maps are abstractions that shape meaning and control, and games can both reinforce and subvert this. The essay is thought-provoking and encourages viewers to reconsider the role of maps in games and reality.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates high scientific rigor by citing a range of credible sources, including academic papers (e.g., ‘A Classification of Video Game Cartographic Maps’), books (e.g., ‘Playing at the World’ by Jon Peterson, ‘Gamer Theory’ by McKenzie Wark), and GDC talks (e.g., ‘Designing Journey’ by Jenova Chen). The sources are relevant and support the arguments made. The title accurately reflects the content, which explores the strange and multifaceted nature of map design in games. The video is well-structured with clear chapters, and the creator’s analysis is nuanced and well-reasoned.

The title accurately reflects the content, which explores the strange and multifaceted nature of map design in games.

8/10

The video is a well-researched video essay that draws on academic sources, books, and GDC talks. It presents a nuanced argument about the role of maps in games, connecting game design to broader philosophical and political themes. The creator demonstrates a strong command of the subject matter and supports claims with specific examples and references.

• 00:00Maps in Games are Strange
• 01:50A Brief History of Maps in games
• 03:20Classifying types of Maps - World,city, area, blueprint, minimap
• 03:55Designing maps for an experience
• 04:53Hollow Knight and the meaning of Mapping
• 06:07The 5 kinds of open world design
• 06:45Shadow of the Colossus and Outer Wilds - Themes expressed through map design
• 08:32Map vs territory - On Exactitude in Science and games
• 11:32Level Design and Maps
• 12:28Dark Souls and Mapping Connections
• 13:56Narrative Design , Systems Design and Maps
• 15:14Sim City , magnasanti and the meaning of City Building Games
• 17:12Maps as Distortions and the Politics of Space
• 19:02The Subversive Art of Map Design in Games and Life

• The Level Design Book — Referenced in the video as a resource on level design, breaking down level design into layout, blockout, and environmental art.
• A Classification of Video Game Cartographic Maps — Cited in the video for classifying types of maps in games: world, area, city, blueprint, and minimap.
• Dynamics for Designers (GDC) — Referenced in the video in relation to Will Wright's talk on game dynamics, likely discussing SimCity.
• The 5 Domains of Play (GDC) — Referenced in the video in the context of player psychology and game design.
• Designing Journey (GDC) — Referenced in the video for the emotional arc design in Journey.
• The Freedom Fallacy (GDC) — Referenced in the video for Scott Rigby's talk on player motivation and open world design.
• Video Game Map Size Comparison (REDSIDE) — Referenced in the video as an example of map size comparison videos.
• Video Game Map Size Comparison (Planet version) - Horizon — Referenced in the video as another example of map size comparison.
• Magnasanti SimCity — Referenced in the video for the art project Magnasanti, a dystopian SimCity build.

• Playing at the World — Book by Jon Peterson, cited in the video for the history of wargaming and its connection to cartography.
• Gamer Theory — Book by McKenzie Wark, cited in the video for the idea that games are colonizing reality.
• Playing with Reality — Book by Kelly Clancy, cited in the video for the role of games in human thought and the dangers of mistaking models for reality.