This research investigates strategies for implementing effective navigation cues in video game-level design, aiming to guide designers in enhancing player navigation and immersion. By developing and testing level prototypes, such as Empire Under the Ground, this study analyses how navigation cues like colour, lighting, landmarks, and game mechanics impact player exploratory paths and decision-making. It demonstrates that designers can successfully guide players along a predetermined path by using level-based navigation cues while maintaining logical consistency and spatial cohesion within the game world. Although this study centres on the adventure game genre, the proposed navigation strategies and theoretical framework offer broader relevance for game design.
