A Semiotic Framework for the Analysis of Virtual Architecture in Digital Games

Gabriele Aroni*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

This paper proposes a semiotic framework for the analysis of architecture in digital games that combines the theory of Umberto Eco of denotation and connotation in architecture with the concept of “anticipatory play” devised by Brian Upton. Virtual architecture is a central signifier in digital games, and its design heavily influences the gameplay as well as the narrative. In 3D games players interact with virtual environments that closely resemble our real architecture, and as such many of the tools we use to analyse real architecture can be successfully applied to virtual architecture as well. Through a series of examples this paper will illustrate how architectural signs in games communicate to players and how they can be used to enhance gameplay, narration, and immersion.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCross-Cultural Design. Applications in Learning, Arts, Cultural Heritage, Creative Industries, and Virtual Reality - 14th International Conference, CCD 2022, Held as Part of the 24th HCI International Conference, HCII 2022, Proceedings
EditorsPei-Luen Patrick Rau
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages459-467
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9783031060465
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event14th International Conference on Cross-Cultural Design, CCD 2022 Held as Part of the 24th HCI International Conference, HCII 2022 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 26 Jun 20221 Jul 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume13312 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference14th International Conference on Cross-Cultural Design, CCD 2022 Held as Part of the 24th HCI International Conference, HCII 2022
CityVirtual, Online
Period26/06/221/07/22

Keywords

  • Architecture
  • Digital games
  • Semiotics
  • Space

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