Game Design Workshop, 3rd Edition

Chapter 5

Working with System Dynamics

In the previous two chapters, I discussed games in terms of their formal and dramatic elements. Now let’s look at how the elements of games fit together to form playable systems and how designers can work with system properties to balance the dynamic nature of their games.

A system is defined as a set of interacting elements that form an integrated whole with a common goal or purpose. General system theory, the idea that the interaction among elements of systems can be studied across a wide variety of disciplines, was first proposed by the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1940s. Variations of system theory have evolved over time, each focusing on different types of systems. My goal here is not to ...