Exploring Off-Screen Space in Modern Video Games

Off-screen space in video games plays a crucial role in shaping player perception, guiding exploration, and enhancing world-building. While Mark J. P. Wolf’s original taxonomy laid the groundwork for understanding the function of on- and off-screen spaces, modern video games have evolved to make off-screen spaces more interactive, immersive, and dynamic. In order to refine this framework, we can categorize off-screen spaces into three primary types: Implied but Inaccessible Space, Temporarily Inaccessible Space, and Peripheral Space. Each of these contributes to the player’s understanding of the game world, whether by hinting at unseen areas, restricting access until progression allows it, or providing a partially visible extension of the playable environment.

1- Implied but Inaccessible Space, refers to areas that are suggested through visual, auditory, or narrative cues but are never actually accessible to the player. These spaces are an essential part of world-building, as they create the illusion of a larger environment that extends beyond the playable area. They may take the form of locked doors, distant landmarks, or background activity, all of which provide a sense of depth and immersion. For example, in Resident Evil, the player frequently encounters locked doors that contribute to the game’s atmosphere, even if they never open. Similarly, in open-world games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, vast mountains or distant cities remain visible but forever unreachable, reinforcing the idea that the game world extends far beyond what is explorable. Implied spaces can also be conveyed through sound, such as hearing NPCs talk behind walls or distant battles taking place beyond the player’s reach. These auditory cues make the game world feel alive and persistent, even if the player never directly interacts with those elements. By incorporating such spaces, game designers can create a sense of mystery and intrigue, encouraging players to imagine the unseen portions of the world. This category is particularly effective in horror or narrative-driven games, where suggesting rather than showing can build tension and enhance storytelling. Ultimately, implied but inaccessible spaces are designed to expand the perceived scale of a game without requiring additional resources, serving as an economical yet effective method of creating a believable world.

2-Temporarily Inaccessible Space, includes areas that the player cannot initially access but can reach later through game progression. Unlike implied spaces, which remain permanently off-limits, these spaces tease the player with the promise of future exploration. They are often tied to game mechanics, such as unlocking new abilities, acquiring key items, or advancing through the storyline. A prime example of this is found in Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight, where players encounter barriers that can only be overcome after obtaining specific upgrades, such as the double jump or wall climb. Similarly, in RPGs like The Witcher 3, certain regions are inaccessible until the player advances the main quest, ensuring that the world unfolds in a structured and controlled manner. Temporarily inaccessible spaces are particularly effective at encouraging backtracking and fostering a sense of accomplishment when the player finally gains access to them. In some cases, these spaces evolve over time, such as a collapsed bridge being rebuilt or a blocked cave becoming accessible after a key event. This category also adds an element of anticipation, as players may notice intriguing locations early in the game and remain eager to explore them later. The deliberate restriction of access ensures that players follow a well-paced progression rather than rushing through the game. Moreover, this approach increases replayability, as players who revisit earlier areas often discover new secrets, optional content, or upgraded challenges that were previously unavailable. By strategically implementing temporarily inaccessible spaces, game designers create a structured experience that balances curiosity, challenge, and reward.

3-Peripheral Space consists of areas that are partially visible or interactive but never fully explorable. These spaces function as extensions of the game world, serving as natural boundaries that prevent players from feeling confined while still maintaining spatial coherence. They can include distant landscapes, unreachable buildings, or NPCs and wildlife that exist on the edge of the playable area. For example, in Assassin’s Creed, players can often see vast cities, towering mountains, or ships sailing in the distance, reinforcing the illusion of a sprawling historical world. Similarly, in games like Dark Souls, mysterious figures can be glimpsed on distant cliffs or in unreachable locations, creating a sense of scale and interconnectedness. Some peripheral spaces allow limited interaction, such as the ability to fire into distant battles or trigger minor environmental reactions, even if full access is restricted. This is often seen in games where background elements respond to the player’s presence, such as birds flying away in The Last of Us or far-off enemy patrols shifting their behavior based on the player’s actions. Peripheral spaces also play a psychological role, subtly directing the player’s attention toward more important gameplay areas while maintaining a sense of freedom. Unlike implied spaces, which are entirely off-limits, and temporarily inaccessible spaces, which eventually open up, peripheral spaces are a permanent yet visually integrated part of the game world. They function as a visual buffer, preventing the stark realization of hard boundaries while preserving immersion.