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Thesis
It's all connected: transtextual theories' impact on game design
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011017
Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of transtextual relationships on game design components through the exploration and analysis of media that exemplify transtextuality as a design principle. Transtextual relationship holds a unique quality in game design because of the dynamic relationship between the player and the author, the collaboration between the two resulting the the game's meaning. This research aims to provide an understanding of inherited meaning through implied information provided through transtextuality so that game designers may use theory to support their practice. This research focuses on the hypertext and paratextual relationships in SuckerPunch Studio's Ghost of Tsushima and how the references to Akira Kurosawa shaped the development of the game regarding the aesthetic direction and unique mechanics. To further expand how transtextuality can be integrated into game design, this research involves a demonstration of the practical application of transtextuality. the demonstration consists of game-making techniques informed and directed by transtextual theory. In doing such, I was able to conclude that the inherited information from the references provided by and author influences the perceived experience of the player through a limited narrative structure.
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Details
- Title
- It's all connected
- Creators
- Taylor Richardson
- Contributors
- Arianna Gass (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 37 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Digital Media; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022058937804721