MSc Game Dev: Five-Level Tutorial and Puzzle Stage Designed for Final Project

A graduate student developing an MSc final project game has completed tutorial and level design after core mechanics were ready for playtesting. The tutorial is split into five short levels, each introducing specific mechanics such as movement, NPC control, and signal reflection, following a 'tell then show' approach using wall-displayed instructions. After the tutorial, players enter a single level with three puzzle areas that require applying all previously taught mechanics to progress. Low-frequency signals posed a particular design challenge, requiring absorptive surfaces and multi-layered glass walls to prevent players from bypassing puzzles. The design prioritised pacing to avoid overwhelming players with too much new information at once.