Games Studies

 

Game Studies | 

22/09/2025 - 15/07/2025 | Week 01 - Week 

Jesslyn Octavia Tjong / 0374562 / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

Game Studies / Taylor's University

Table of Contents

I.  INSTRUCTION

II. FEEDBACK

III. REFLECTION

IV. FURTHER READING

V. QUICK LINKS

I. LECTURE

Lecture 01| Principles of Fame Design 

Game Design is the craft of creating interactive experiences that combine creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of player psychology to deliver fun and playfulness.

A well designed game can be recohnized when it has these features : enagging mechanics, compelling narrative, and balanced challenge. 

Core Principles of Game design focuses on : 

1. Player Experience: The overall feel and emotional impact of the game on the player.

2. Gameplay Mechanics: The rules, systems, and interactions that shape how the game is played.

3. Storytelling: The narrative that unfolds and deepens through player interaction.

4. Balance and Challenge: Crafting difficulty in a way that keeps the game rewarding without becoming frustrating.

Six Principles of Game Design

Principle 1: Player Experience

• Focus on Emotion: Games should immerse players in emotional journeys.

• User-Centered Design: Design should match the target audience’s playstyle and preferences.

• Flow State: Balance challenge and skill to keep players engaged.

• Types of Playful Experiences (PLEX Framework):

• Adventure: Discovery, exploration.

• Excel Oneself: Challenge, completion.

• Social: Fellowship, competition.

• Excitement: Thrill, humor.

• Imagination: Fantasy, expression.

• Caretaking: Nurture, sympathy.

• Physical: Relaxation, sensation.

Principle 2: Gameplay Mechanics

• Gameplay Mechanics :

• Primary Mechanics (Core Actions):

  • Movement / Turn Actions: Moving pieces across the board, like in Monopoly (linear path) or Risk (network path).

  • Dice Rolling: Used to resolve outcomes in games like Dungeons & Dragons—combat, movement, or chance-based events.

  • Card Drawing/Playing: In Uno or Magic: The Gathering, drawing and playing cards drives interaction and strategy.

  Secondary Mechanics (Enhancing Gameplay):

  • Resource Management: Strategic use of resources, such as wood or grain in Catan.

  • Trading: Social exchanges of resources/items, as in Catan or Betrayal at House on the Hill.

  • Exploration: Uncovering new areas or challenges, like in Descent: Journeys in the Dark.

  Example – Risk (Quick Breakdown):

  • Primary Mechanic: Moving armies and resolving battles with dice rolls.

  • Secondary Mechanic: Negotiating alliances with other players.

  • Feedback Loop: Winning battles strengthens armies, giving higher chances of future success.

• Feedback Loops (rewards & penalties):

  • Positive: Encourages progress (e.g., Ticket to Ride rewards for completed goals).

  • Negative: Punishes mistakes (e.g., Monopoly rent penalties).

  • Dynamic: Adjusts difficulty over time (e.g., Pandemic increasing disease spread).

• Quick Example (Risk):

• Primary mechanic: Moving pieces and dice battles.

• Secondary mechanic: Negotiation and alliances.

• Feedback loop: Winning battles strengthens armies, boosting future chances.

Principle 3: Storytelling in Games

• Player Agency: Players’ choices and actions shape the narrative, creating a sense of ownership and co-creation.

• Environmental Storytelling: Worlds, visuals, and settings convey stories through maps, artwork, and lore — immersing players beyond dialogue or text.

• Narrative Arcs: Stories unfold through conflict, rising tension, climax, and resolution. These arcs can be continuous or episodic, and may emerge through cooperative or competitive play.

Principle 4: Balance and Challenge

• Difficulty Curve: A smooth escalation of difficulty keeps players engaged. Balance challenge with player skill so the game is neither too easy nor too frustrating.

• Skill vs. Luck: Combine player skill with elements of chance to create dynamic and engaging gameplay.

• Player Progression: Reward progress with growth, achievements, or new abilities to keep players motivated and invested.

• Feedback and Iteration: Continuously refine gameplay based on testing and feedback to maintain balance and improve player experience.

• Immersion and Worldbuilding: A believable, consistent world enhances engagement and makes challenges feel meaningful.

Principle 5: Feedback and Iteration

• Goal: Ensure the game is playable and enjoyable at all levels.

• Key Practices:

  • Playtesting: Spot areas needing improvement.

  • Feedback Loops: Detect issues with difficulty or story pacing.

  • Fine-tuning: Refine based on feedback to enhance overall player experience.

Principle 6: Immersion and Worldbuilding

• Immersion: Draws players into the world, making them feel connected to the setting and invested in the story.

• Context for Actions: Worldbuilding gives meaning to player choices, adding depth and emotional significance to their actions.

• Emotional Engagement: Elevates the overall experience by adding depth and context, making gameplay feel more impactful.

Challenges in Game Design

• Over-Complication: Games that are too complex can overwhelm players — simplicity often leads to a more enjoyable experience.

• Failing to Adapt: Ignoring player feedback or market trends risks creating games that fail to engage or stay relevant.

• Monetization vs. Player Experience: Striking a balance between profit motives and maintaining a fun, player-centered experience is an ongoing challenge.

II. INSTRUCTION

MIB September 2025