Defining Games

Defining Games

1. Game characteristics

   • An objective
     • Toys have no objective... not a game!
   • Contest between one or more players
   • A set of rules and equipment
   • The Magic Circle
     • It doesn't have to be provided
       • The player can make one!

2. Game Rules

   • Instructions that dictate how to play
   • They give meaning to
     • Actions
     • Events
     • Symbols
   • They establish the objective
   • Helps to create the gameworld

3. Game Objective

   • Involves challenges
     • Which should have a payoff
     • Requires mental or physical effort
     • Element of risk and reward

4. Achieving Objectives

   • Victory condition
     • One or more players are declared winners
   • Termination condition
     • Game may continue after this condition to decide 2nd, 3rd place
   • Progression challenge
     • A challenge that must be overcome to further explore the gameworld
   • Loss condition
     • Situation specifying the player has lost