Game Elements – Week 04 Reading

 This weeks reading involved the game elements and what elements make up the components of a game

 

Game Elements

The article summarises the qualities and elements required for a game, there are some fundamental elements that are required for making games and these can b listed as follows; The game objectives, players , game state , information , sequencing, theme, narrative , setting and the player interaction. These are often referred to as the atomic elements of games as they are the smallest parts of the game and can be isolated and studied individually.

Another factor to note from this article is the importance of critical analysis in relation to game design. Its important for discussing or comparing games in a non biased way. Something important to take away from this article is that in order to design a successful and functioning game, all the formal game elements must be predefined.

Prototyping

This informative video gives a good introduction into the methods involved in game design prototyping.

Game design prototyping can be described as an experimental process where rough ideas are iterated either digitally or onto paper.

This process of prototyping is an important one especially when it comes to establishing the mechanics, it act as a starting point and help to develop the game and add any additional changes which may be needed.

     

Formal Abstract Design Tools 

This article emphasizes the importance of setting up a common vocabulary for game design.

The benefits of creating a design vocabulary can allow for the following, it can act as a tool kit to help game designers refine how games work. These tools are an important aspect when it comes to understanding game design, they are also important for maximising the players feeling of self-involvement. Some examples of some formal abstract design tools can be listed as follows:

 Intention- this is the first abstract design tool, it involves understanding the world of the game, making a plan and acting on it, it is a means of getting the player invested and involved in the game

Perceivable consequence- this is a defined reaction from the game world from the action of the player

Story- this is the thread-narrative, it can be designer-driven or player-driven, it is an element that binds events together to allow players to forward to the completion of the game.

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