ABSTRACT Mini-map as a world map in miniature format is often used as the most important cartographic element to facilitate the navigation and orientation of users in virtual geographical space. It provides detailed information about the position, orientation, nearby objects or terrain around the user in a compact and comprehensive way. The authors of this article wanted to find out whether the mini-map helps users with different levels of knowledge about the game to understand and interpret spatial situations that occur when playing in the virtual geographical space. The study was conducted in the form of an offline survey that required respondents to watch five short videos depicting different spatial situations during the League of Legends game. The 60 respondents were divided into 3 different groups whose responses were analyzed using statistical tests and mini-map heatmap eye-tracking analysis. The results of the study confirm that there is a correlation between the mini-map and the correctness of the interpretation of spatial situations in the game in all groups investigated. Previous gaming experiences were found to reduce the need to use a mini-map to interpret spatial situations, proving that video games provide players with comprehensive information about various events on the user interface.
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