Principles of Game Design

1. Principles of Game Design U72 PMD1: Understand the principles of game design Date due: Monday 22/04/13

2. From the Unit Spec – PMD1

3. PMD1 – Principles of GD • The two key subcategories of this GC are: • Visual style • Gameplay • Note that you must show evidence of understanding all of these categories in order to achieve the GC.

4. PMD1a – Visual Style First, be aware of the distinction between visual style and art style. While it incorporates some similar themes, such as environment and character design, there are many other issues that need to be addressed in visual design. For example: • Feedback interface • HUD, minimap, objective indicators, status indicators etc • Perspective • FP, TP, scrolling, context-sensitive etc • FMV • Not the same thing as cutscenes

10. PMD1b - Gameplay Gameplay is arguably the more complicated side of GD, as there are complex mechanics to plan and balance. Some of the requirements for a well-designed game include, but are not limited to: • Interaction model • Avatar or omnipresence • Players • SP/MP, on/offline • Setting/Theme • Physical, emotional, ethical • Challenges and rewards • Unlocks, achievements, etc • Actions • Jump, climb, swim, shoot • Difficulty • High/low/custom and balancing • Win condition • Beat the boss, save the princess etc • Balance • Fairness, levelling, matchmaking • Feedback • How players know what’s happening • Structure • Linear, open, mission hubs • Addiction • Yes, it’s a real thing

11. Win Conditions The win condition is a critical part of any game; win conditions are what give a game objectives, and more of a reason to play than… • Make a giant phallus out of diamond blocks. • Steam sale. • Bethesda. • “ZOMG NEW MAPS AND GUNS AND ZOMBIES!”

12. Win Conditions Think of three possible win conditions for these genres. FPS RPG Strategy Racing

13. Boss fights srsbsns

14. Final(ish) comments While it’s true that certain tropes, themes and genres in games are fantastic and work well in a variety of situations, all designers should make sure they make sure that their games are creative, original and develop over time. Gaming is a relatively young medium, and still evolving at a rapid pace. According to Moore’s law, computer technology doubles in power every two years; we, as designers, artists and developers, need to make sure that we can keep up on the creative side.

15. Write-Up and examples You need to write this up as a webzine or blog article, entitled “The Principles of Game Design”. This piece of extended writing should aim to have the same written standard as that required by any other piece of theory work, but remember the specific unit requirements. Use the unit specas a checklist to ensure you have covered everything that you need to.

16. Write-Up and examples PMD1 – Principles of GD The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work.

17. Write-Up and examples PMD1 – Principles of GD The following are examples of the differences between Pass, Merit and Distinction grade writing. Use them to inform your work.