Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

How Do Information Games Apply Environmental Storytelling in Implicit Tutorials to Enable Players’ Knowledge Acquisition and Freedom to Explore?

Zhang, Fei, Du, Pengcheng

30 April 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 4, pp. 475-486

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-22

Abstract

This thesis explores the way environmental storytelling is applied to implicit tutorials in information games, which allows players to acquire knowledge and freely explore through experiential learning. By analyzing case studies of Chant of Sennaar (Rundisc, 2023), Outer Wilds (Mobius Digital, 2019) and Myst: Masterpiece Edition (Cyan Worlds Inc, 1999), based on cognitive psychology frameworks and theories, the possibility of using environmental storytelling to guide players’ perception, memory, attention and motivation is investigated. Findings suggest that balancing instructional clarity and autonomy is essential for successful tutorial design. The research provides insight for designers to improve both learning effectiveness and narrative enjoyment. Limitations include the focus on explorer-type players and the use of secondary qualitative analysis. Future research could employ empirical testing and explore applicability across broader game genres.

Keywords: information games, environmental storytelling, implicit tutorials, knowledge acquisition, freedom to explore

Read the full text on Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies →The full peer-reviewed article and PDF are hosted on the journal's site (the version of record).

Zhang, Fei, Du, & Pengcheng (2026). How Do Information Games Apply Environmental Storytelling in Implicit Tutorials to Enable Players’ Knowledge Acquisition and Freedom to Explore?. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(4), 475-486. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-22

@article{Zhang2026,
  title   = {How Do Information Games Apply Environmental Storytelling in Implicit Tutorials to Enable Players’ Knowledge Acquisition and Freedom to Explore?},
  author  = {Zhang and Fei and Du and Pengcheng},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {4},
  pages   = {475-486},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-22},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-22}
}

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