I wrote about this the other day, but Zach Gage put it more succinctly.
Doing nothing in games should be meaningful.
Why it matters: In game design, not pushing a button can be just as important as pushing a button. Choosing not to do something should have gameplay consequences.
For example: Say you have a treasure chest in your game that the player can destroy to earn a reward; what are some ways to reward them for not destroying it?
Maybe they could:
The bottom line: You can increase the depth of a single interaction if you consider how the player can benefit from not doing the interaction. 🕹️
🕹️ Player verbs are gameplay.
Why it matters: “But what does the player get to do?”
This is the question I have to ask after most game announcements and trailers.
The bottom line: Cinematic trailers are not gameplay. Backstory and lore are not gameplay. Beautiful graphics are not gameplay.
Signs and Feedback are the language of video games.
The player sees a sign, they provide input, and then receive feedback. Repeat. This loop is the heart of how games create a dialogue with the player.
Why it matters: Sending clear messages and feedback about the state of the game allows the player to react and make informed choices. This is a critical element to making a game more enjoyable.
The bigger picture: Creating gameplay that provides clear signs and feedback is more than just crafting a more fun experience. It’s about making a more accessible experience so that more people can enjoy games.
Deeper dive: If you’re interested in this area of game design, check out GDKey’s excellent article (5 minute read).
Game Idea: An action-shooter where your bullets become more powerful the less ammo you have. 🕹️
I can finally talk about what I’ve been working on for the last few years! Life By You is an open-world life simulation game coming to Early Access in September 2023. 🕹️
Great article from design legend, Warren Spector.
TL;DR: In game dev, success comes from delivering something new and fresh. Copying others won’t cut it. Therefore, mash-up genres and give players the freedom to create their own unique experiences. That’s how you stand out. 🕹️
It’s been a relaxing break, but it’s rained quite a bit. So, we decided to go through the Sinister Six campaign. Just got to the final villain.
