Chris Crawford on Game Design

Obsession with Cosmetics

This is by far the most common beginner's mistake, and even experienced designers often stumble over it. I use the term cosmetics to describe those elements of the game that are meant primarily to look or sound good rather than to further the gameplay itself. Another term for the same concept is eye candy.

There are five common motivations to equip a game with good graphics and sound:

1. To further the gameplay

2. To permit the player to show off the superior cosmetic capabilities of his new computer

3. To show off the superior technical prowess of the programmer

4. To keep up with the competition

5. To provide the player with images and sounds that are intrinsically pleasing

Reason #1: To further the gameplay by making the player's situation ...