End-to-End Game Development

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

 

Gameplay Design

 

 

 

Introduction

Determining gameplay is a key component of creative design. But before you undertake this task, the goals and objectives of the serious game (whether a simulation, a persuasive game, a training game, or a promotional game) need to be very clear-cut. If creative solutions to problems are considered prematurely, you may overlook some key elements of the behavior you’re trying to teach in favor of those that are more fun to deal with. You may get locked into creative solutions that don’t even address your objectives. But once the goals of the game are clear, then the fun begins.

Designing gameplay is an art and a science. It’s a science because there are sets of well-known game activities that ...