Visualizing the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Gameplay using Storyline Visualization: A Study with League of Legends

Storyline visualization serves as a robust framework for analyzing the complex spatio-temporal dynamics inherent in League of Legends. By mapping player movement and critical game events to semantic map locations, this approach provides a cohesive overview of team interactions and match evolution. The methodology utilizes an adapted iStoryline framework, incorporating fixed y-axis locations and ST-DBSCAN clustering to identify significant group fights, thereby transforming raw match data into a structured visual narrative that facilitates post-play review and skill development.

Evaluations involving 39 participants reveal that this visualization technique is highly effective for identifying specific game events and spatial positioning. Users demonstrated high accuracy and efficiency when addressing "what" questions regarding match occurrences. Furthermore, the study confirms the scalability of the approach, as the complexity of map subdivisions did not significantly hinder user performance or correctness. These findings suggest that storyline visualizations are well-suited for summarizing team dynamics and providing players with actionable insights into their strategic decision-making processes.

Despite these successes, the research identifies clear limitations regarding temporal interpretation. Participants consistently struggled with "when" questions, indicating that current designs lack the necessary visual saliency to represent time effectively. Additionally, issues such as line clutter and rigid location ordering present challenges to overall readability. To advance this analytical tool, future iterations should prioritize dynamic location arrangements and higher-resolution data integration. By addressing these design constraints, developers can create more intuitive interfaces that bridge the gap between static match logs and the fluid, high-speed nature of professional esports, ultimately enhancing the utility of game analytics for both casual and competitive players.