Unit 3 – Game Design Concepts

PostedSeptember 12, 2021

UpdatedNovember 14, 2021

Byadmin

Items In This Unit

All games should be FUN!
The main character should be special with special powers, weaknesses, visuals, smarts etc.
Easy start of the game
Don’t scare first-time players
Let players build skills and grow with the game
Clear and intuitive game objective ensures makes for a better game and easier game design
Never stop engaging your audience in your game. Build on the excitement from one level to another, as the game progresses, by introducing more rewarding challenges, interesting environments as well as more intelligent obstacles
As the player is getting further in the game the enemies or obstacles are also getting more challenging
Provide familiar or expected game controls already established in the game industry
Stick to the same key controls for the entire game
Stick to consistent gameplay
Keep the game flow consistent
Keep the game unpredictable to ensure continued player interest
Use effective sound effects for various game events to enhance players experience
Use effective background music if it adds to the “feeling” of the game
Don’t overdo it with either visuals or audio unless appropriate
If a player needs to make a big tactical or strategic decision in the middle of a game it may be best to keep things simple
Game psychology is important
When a player does something “good” they expect to be rewarded
Rewards enhance player’s game interest

“More rewards than punishments, more power-ups than obstacles.”
“Start with a core mechanic and build From It. Good game designers analyze and deconstruct every game they play.”
“Easy to learn, hard to master.”

Reference: New York Film Academy, https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/three-principles-every-game-designer-should-follow/

Game Intro
- Some games introduce the game with a background story.
Start Menu
- Every game includes a start-up screen, typically with instructions on how to start the game
Game Demo
- With no user activity, some games provide game demonstrations by showing glimpses of the game
Game Environment
- The game environment is what is shown during gameplay
Main Player or Character(s)
- Typically, the main character of the game and the central focus of the game. The game lives and dies with the main player.
Enemies & Obstacles
- These are the constraints that challenge the player during the lifetime of a game.
Top Scores
- Some games keep historical hi-scores and allow the player to enter their name if they reach a hi-score.
Score Indicator
- Scoreboard typically appears at the top of the game environment screen
Final Resolution
- Some games show “happy ending” text and graphics or video
Credits
- Game credits typically appear at the end of a fully completed game or as part of a game demo.
Sound Effects
- Sound effects are part game player actions (e.g. breaking something, hitting an enemy, providing a correct answer) to enhance the overall player game feel
Background Music
- Some games play background music during gameplay to enhance the game perception and satisfaction

There are many different game input controls. Depending on the type of game one game control may be more suitable then another. The controls include: