Game Elements

On previous examination of games and gaming it was clear there was no set example of defining the word 'game' but instead it was broke up into mini sections that showed games follow a set of rules that have developed and built on themselves over the years. All games thrive from similar themes. They have players, rules, conflict, decision making and outcomes. These are the core values associated with gaming and gives a designer a starting point when creating their game and also gives a player the core elements to look at when giving a critical analysis of a game. Schreiber describes these as the "formal elements". He explains that doing a critical analysis of a game isn't stating everything wrong with the game, but rather having a critical in dept analysis of the game and looking at these 'formal elements' and how they relate to the player experience. A growth mindset approach is needed when analysing these games. Instead of basic feedback of 'amazing' and 'this game is fun', it is imperative that the player clearly states what parts of the game is working and why and which parts do not translate well with player experience. Looking at and the discussing the reoccurring themes and 'formal elements' of games will help when analysing and adhering to the gaming vocabulary.

Prototyping will make your game and game idea generating better. This iterative process is key in developing your idea and can be done in a vast amount of ways. Before you even begin coding you can prototype physically by drawing your idea and looking at the mechanics and how it will work. Along with this you can physically move yourself and create the obstacles that you might translate into your game. From this idea generating you get a real sense and play of the game you are looking to create. As you are prototyping it will help to really develop your idea and can lead to realisations you might not have made if you jumped straight into developing your code and game. It helps to evolve your game. Partner this with the game design values to develop a unique and interesting game for the player that has benefitted from extensive prototyping and is linked to the core elements of gaming.

Bibliography:

SCHREIBER, I.

Game Design Concepts

Schreiber, I., 2009. Game Design Concepts. [online] Game Design Concepts. Available at: <https://gamedesignconcepts.wordpress.com/> [Accessed 14 October 2021].

LIVELESSONS

Introduction to Game Design: Prototype Your Game

LiveLessons, 2021. Introduction to Game Design: Prototype Your Game. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzQY1OfDc-I&t=232s> [Accessed 14 October 2021].

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