Game Design 7/22

Decision design

The core of game is interaction, and the core of interaction is the moment of decision-making.

1. What we should create is expectation, uncertainty , outcome and decision.

2. If we want to create a meaningful decision, the outcome of the decision must to half-predictable.

3. We need a comprehensive and coherent system for players to predict the future.

4. Information balancing, which mean we can provide or ban some info in order to create a better decision for players.

5. How to conceal the info:

a. Conceal the info in complex causality.

b. Conceal the info in players' mindset.

c. Conceal the info with speed.

6. Balance the flow with suited decision in a period of time.

7. Remember the importance of flow pacing.

High game depth = Broad skill range + low skill barrier.

How to broaden skill range:

1. Reinvention

From manual phase(operating job), situational phase(reaction) to mental phase(prediction).

2. Elastic challenge

Different levels of success and failure for different levels of players.

3. Training

Help players to pass the skill barrier.

4. Emotional trigger for keeping player stay

Before they pass the skill barrier, maintain players attention through visual or story.

5. Alter the difficulty

Elegance = Maximum emotional and diversity player experience with minimum learning curve and developing cost.

Traits of elegance:

1. Mechanics could be elegant when they can interact with most of other mechanics.

2. Simple Mechanics could be elegant.

3. Mechanics with multi-function could be elegant.

4. Mechanics with unique roles could be elegant.

5. Mechanics based on players' behavior and habit could be elegant.

6. Mechanics with high frequency and repetitiveness could be elegant.

7. Mechanics which don't result in in-game hidden limit could be elegant.

8. Mechanics based on existing UI could be elegant.