Why the game is fun: The secret of game design
Chapter 1: Space
In the first chapter, the author gives a factor that affects the fun of the game - "space", which is discussed in four sections. Don't worry about the boredom of reading notes in this series. As long as you can play games, you will get the design of the game you have played. This is a sudden feeling when readers often read this book. Through this book, the author's words seem to lead us through the dimensional walls of "game producers" and "players" and peep into the secrets of the fun game!
1.1 Core concept: The importance of spatial mechanisms
- Space mechanism:Space mechanics refer to the game passingPhysical RulesandEnvironmental DesignThe built virtual space directly affects players' exploration, strategy and immersion.
- Classic Case: "Super Mario Brothers" uses limited space to stimulate players' desire to jump and solve puzzles through pipelines, obstacles, etc.
- Design Purpose: Guide players' behavior and enhance their sense of accomplishment through space constraints (such as the vertical stacking of Tetris) or open exploration (such as the box theory of the Legend of Zelda).
1.2 Classic Case Analysis
Here we can learn about two game cases about space design that the author has carefully introduced.
The spatial compression mechanism of Tetris
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Mechanism Features: Through the constantly falling blocks and fixed areas, the "time pressure" and "spatial layout" are combined to form a dual feedback of "sense of urgency + strategy".
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Influence: Created a "instant feedback" paradigm for eliminating games and became a classic template for game mechanic design.
The Box Theory of "The Legend of Zelda"(In layman's terms, the box-like small space simulation corresponds to the space in the real world)
- Box theory: Passing in a limited spaceHide pathandMulti-objective design, realize the complexity and depth of exploration of levels.
- Application example: In the open world of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild", through the "regional nesting" design, players can experience the exquisite gameplay of "micro box courtyard" in a vast map.
1.3 Design principles and patterns
The relationship between space and player psychology
- Security and Challenge: Enclosed spaces (such as Pac-Man’s maze) provide clear rules, while open spaces (such as GTA) stimulate the desire for free exploration.
- Target gradient effect: Gradually release the difficulty through spatial layering (such as "Pushing the Box" slider puzzle solving) to maintain players' long-term interest.
Mechanism correlation design
- Hide mechanism: For example, the dynamic interaction between the "bomb arrow" and the environment in "The Legend of Zelda" requires players to discover through trial and error to enhance their sense of accomplishment.
- Symmetric and asymmetric spaces: MOBA games (such as League of Legends) balance team collaboration and personal operations through the asymmetric design of "Jungle Zone" and "middle lane".
1.4 Relevant mechanism and extended thinking
The linkage between space and time mechanisms
- For example, the "room random generation" mechanism of Diablo, combines space exploration and time resource management (such as equipment drop probability) to improve repetition playability.
Space Destruction and Innovation
- "Nuzao Kitchen" breaks the traditional spatial rules through "multi-player collaborative confrontation", transforms the kitchen scene into a dynamic battlefield, and reflects the cross-border integration of the mechanism.