Mind the Gap: How withholding the right amount of information can create mystery and motivation in video games. An analysis of mystery types in adventure games.
How is mystery manifested in video games, how can it be categorised and how can it lead to a more satisfying experience in adventure games?
As soon as we sense mystery, our curiosity urges us to learn what has been hidden and inspires us to solve the mystery to gain new knowledge. This thirst for knowledge is one of humankind’s driving forces and can motivate us to fill in gaps in the unknown. How these gaps are filled can be as important as the information itself, as being able to solve a mystery with cognitive ability promises to be more satisfying than merely being presented with the correct answer. In this thesis, I will discuss the effects and significance of mystery on game design, player motivation, curiosity and immersion and how mystery can lead to more enjoyable user experiences in adventure games.
