The Impact of Spatial User Interface Integration within Strategy Games : An evaluation of a strategy game’s approachability within diegesis and spatial theory

Abstract: Diegesis and Spatiality are fundamental to visualization techniques in games. The impact of integrating user interfaces into the game world is a contentious issue between minimizing the heads-up display or maximizing functionality above realism. Previous studies have shown conflicting results determining what approach is better, but these studies have focused on conventional genres like the First Person Shooter. Strategy games, or more specifically, the grand strategy genre, is different in perspective and role of the player, as the genre places a heavier emphasis on panel elements than other genres. In this paper, we created two similar prototypes that differed in their focus on integration or superimposition. We then evaluated their impact on performance and the user experiences. The results showed that strictly spatial integration attributed to negative results, but diegetic integration was better received. Additionally, we identified several areas where implementing diegetic interfacing in grand strategy games is different from other genres of games. Finally, we gave recommendations to enhance the strengths and overcome the limitations of diegetic interfacing in grand strategy games.