Understanding Games

Understanding Games is a series of flash games designed to teach players about games through gameplay.  There are four games in the series.  This post includes the major ideas presented in each of them.  Even after reading through this post, I encourage you to play through the games yourself.

Understanding Games 1

Rules of the game define the possible actions of the players.  Rules are unambiguous, intelligible and apply for all players.

No game can be played without the interaction of the player.

The outcome of a game has to be uncertain, otherwise it loses its appeal.

Computer games simulate or change properties and processes of the real world.

Rules and representation of a game are not independent but interact with each other.

Understanding Games 2

Players require clear and immediate feedback to understand the relationship between action and outcome.

Players require a clear goal so they can perform meaningful actions within the game.

Conflict and competition are essential for the player's motivation.

The challenges of a game should match the skill of the player: Neither too easy (boring), nor too difficult (frustrating).

Understanding Games 3

Many computer games are playable without having to read the manual.  Instead the player learns to play them through trial and error.

The player performs actions within the game world and observes how these actions change the state of the game.

The player forms a hypothesis about the meaning of an object or action on the basis of his or her studies.

The player recognizes and learns fundamental patterns within the game and can apply these to different situations.

Understanding Games 4

The game theme has an impact on how the game appeals to different kinds of people.

The more abstract a game character, the more players will be able to identify with the character.

The controls of a game character can be direct or indirect and have an impact on the relationship between player and character.

Often the player can select between different characters, which facilitate different strategies to play the game.

Cheers,

Danny