GD (midterms)

Player motivation

Why do people play games? Understanding this can help you develop games that will fulfill these needs

Social interaction

A motivating factor some players; allowed to communicate through the game itself

Physical seclusion

Players prefer to play games in a private place such as their homes

Competition

Competitive spirit has been associated with games and forms the basis of tremendously successful sports industry

Knowledge

Players gain knowledge of particular concepts, processes and strategies; “fun learning”

Mastery

Players demonstrating their ability to dominate the game world and figure out how to become advanced players

Escapism

Players play to escape from the ongoing stress and challenges of real life

Addiction

Games offer players the opportunity to take active roles in the entertainment experience; it makes them crave and indulge in continuous play

Game market

The people who play games; identify target audience personas ensures you can take your brand to market

Geographics

Relates to players geographic locations including various countries and regions

Psychographics

Consists of people values, attitudes, and lifestyle

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Model developed in 1943 to measure personality types

Extrovert (E) vs Introvert(I)

Energy is more outer or inner-directed

Sensing(S) vs Intuitive(N)

Perception is more present than future-oriented

Thinking(T) vs Feeling(F)

Judgment-formation is more objective or subjective

Judging(J) vs Perceiving(P)

Approach to the world is more structured or spontaneous

Demographics

It includes statistical information such as gender, age, income level, education level, marital status, ethnicity, and religion

Generation

Considered part of both demographics and psychographics

Silent generation (1924-1943)

A game with heroes who are clean and cold but not motivated by cynicism and revenge

Boom generation (1943-1961)

A game with social, spiritual, or political message that would be ideal

Generation X (1962-1981)

A game that would focus on an independent, nomadic character who is on the edge and take risks

Millennial generation (1982-2002)

An online game involving a lot of communication and cooperation between players

Story structure

A formula that when applied correctly, can ensure and audience/players emotional involvement

Beginning (Act I)

The goal is to capture the audience attention; it focuses on the characters problem

Middle (Act II)

Focuses on the obstacles that stand in the way of the characters ability to solve the problem; it comprises the bulk of dramatic tension

End (Act III)

When the problem has been solved; the character face and remove each obstacle to reach resolution

Story elements

Story lines exist in many games but they are not necessary for a game-playing experience

Premise

A summary of the games purpose and overall theme; focuses on what is unique about your game

Backstory

Provides information that leads up to where the game begins; orients the player the purpose and action involved

Synopsis

Helps player to escape from reality and become immersed in the artificial game world

Theme

Represents what the story is all about even if its not shared explicitly with the player

Setting

Represents the world that being explored by the audience, characters, or players

Plot

Its about how the story unfolds; sequence of events in a story that forces a character to make difficult situations

Balancing conflict

Dramatic tension when player often seems to be on the brink of disaster but is able to escape

Shifting focus

Shifting focus while capturing the players interest

Suspension of disbelief

Cause players to forget real life and accept the artificial reality you created

Realism 

Mimic the real world as closely as possible

Hero

The central character in a single-player game

Shadow

Represents the hero opposite, often the ultimate evil character; could represent dark side of the hero

Mentor

A character who oftens guides the hero toward some action and often an older adviser

Ally

A character who helps the hero progress on the journey or may also assist the hero

Guardian

Blocks the progress of the hero by whatever means necessary

Trickster

A neutral character who enjoys making mischief; jesters who provide comic relief

Herald

Facilitates change in the story and provides hero with direction

Protagonist

Main character

Antagonist

Opposite of protagonist

Unity of opposites

When protagonist and antagonist want the exact same things

Transformational antagonist

An anti-hero character who could have been a protagonist

Mistaken antagonist

Characters who are initially villains but turn out to be innocent

Exaggerated antagonist

Larger than life comedic villains who might dominate the story and often more interesting than the protagonist

Supporting characters

Pivotal character to prevent the protagonist from walking away

Game characters

Either player characters or non-player characters

Player characters and avatars

Characters in game who are controlled by players

Non-player characters

Characters in a game not controlled by players; often controlled by AI

Character development elements

Involves relationships among characters and the changes they might undergo

Character triangle

Forms a powerful three-way relationship among the characters

Character arc

The process of character growth and development

Level 1 Intrapersonal

Protagonist is only concerned with his own needs and thoughts

Level 2 Interpersonal

Protagonist bonds with another character in one-on-one relationship

Level 3 Team

Protagonists bonds with small group of characters who have common interest

Level 4 Community

The smaller team becomes part of a larger organized network

Level 5 Humanity

Self-actualization and spiritual growth can occur now that the protagonist has achieved acceptance