Exploring Environment and Behavior Logic in Virtual Space Through MMOG game map design

Contemporary MMOG game map is comparable to urban and architecture design due to the increasing size and complexity. To enhance the possibility of social interaction, the spatial layout of buildings its surrounding areas in the MMOG map are resemble to the real world. This paper introduces a design studio of 4th year architecture student of BJTU. Using space syntax theory and method, the social logic of spatial distribution of NPC in capital cities and the synchronized “quest-NPC-place” network in World Of Warcraft are analyzed as an example. Students select games based on their own interest. They are encouraged to conduct similar analysis and do one area map design. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the analytical method, and the forementioned logics in WOW could also be found in other games.