Game Fun- Reading Week 08

The readings for this week discuss the topic of “fun” in games, what is fun and how is it defined when it comes to game design, the reading also discus the social aspects of gaming and how that is linked to “fun” and game interactivity. below I have included some highlights and thoughts from each reading piece.

 

Social context and its influence on the experience of games

This reading discusses the social nature of games and how social context can influence the user’s experience. The study summaries that use of games in social contexts had a higher enjoyment factor than the latter. The study also has its limitations and further understanding of the social processes and its experiences on gameplay is required. This study has proved useful for this module especially regarding the game design element, it is now beneficial to know that adding in a social aspect such as a group play, or multiplayer option game can improve the user enjoyability of the game

 

 A theory of fun for game design

This was an educational Video Which outlined the theory of fun regarding game design. Some important points to take away from the video are as follow; the fun factor of a game comes from the possibility to provide a space for learning and also a space that will grab our attention and challenge us, this is further explained using Nicole Lazzaro’s 4 Keys to fun  

source

Another element that adds to the “fun” of a game is the provision of a sense of engagement, this comes from having a challenge in the game that will rise in proportion with the individuals abilities

 

Gamification Design 

This last reading provided information required for gamification Design, The reading can be summarised into the following:

• Fun is categorized as subjective- meaning it its personal, what may appear fun to one person may not appear the same to another, this is why gamification design is necessary when it comes to making a game fun
• Fun can be categorized and refined based on cognitive learning, fun and learning are often interlinked

These articles all provided a useful piece of information regarding and gamification design.

When It comes to designing the game for this module, these factors for implementing fun must be considered.

GDD -Game Design Document-Reading

Assigned readings for This week involved the discussion around the topic of game design documents. The necessity and the instructions to create game design documents was also provided.

 

What is a Game Design Document? 

 

This can be summarized as a tool that designers use to communicate their ideas regarding the game to team, their purposes can be summarized as a memory aid, defining the works of a game in detail, and noting each step/process of the game. Another purpose of the use of GDD is communication, using a GDD as a communication tool is a necessity for game developers, as there are many team members involved in the production of a game, having his document creates a good communication foundation for the team. There are many forms of game design documents and the type that the game developer will create will depend on the style of game being produced. These can include but are not limited to:

·      Game Design Overview

·      Detailed Design Doc

·      Story Overview

·      Concept Art Overview

 

 

How is a Game Design Document Written?

When writing a GDD a simple process is followed, you first begin by providing a game description. This is a Summary of what the game, the objective the summary is to give the readers and other team members a clear idea of the type of game that you are trying to produce.

Then depending on the game you are designing, for example an RPG, you would then need to introduce the storyline and plot, theme and plot progression etc.

Essentially, the GDD follows a typical structure, you would then complete the document by completing (but not limited to) the following sections in descending order; User skills, Game Mechanics, Items and power-ups, progression and challenges, losing, Art Style, Music and Sounds, demographics, marketing and funding and lastly platforms and monetization. 

 

These articles will prove useful for moving forward in game development, the need for the use of GDD has been highlighted as an important one and moving forward it will be used in the development of games. It can be seen as essential for have this document especially during the early game idea generation stages, having a clear concise document will all the stages of the game process will help with the progression of idea generation.

 

Source