Lecture 5: Game Development II

Question 1

List some disciplines of Game Design

Answer 1

Psychology, Economics, Cinematic, Sound Design, Management, Visual Arts , etc.

Question 2

List some genres by activity in games

Answer 2

Action: overcome enemies, quick reflexes, hand-eye-coordination

Adventure: puzzles, exploration, story

Action-Adventure: Action + Adventure

Simulation: follow real-world behaviour as closely as possible

Sports Games, etc.

Question 3

Name some genres by purpose

Answer 3

• Advergames
• Art/Expressive games
• Educational games
• Exergames
• Games with Purpose
• Serious Games
• Gamification

Question 4

For what stands MDA Framework?

Answer 4

• Mechanics - particular components of the game, at the level of data representation and algorithms
• Dynamics - run-time behavior of the mechanics acting on player inputs and each others’ output over time
• Aesthetics - desirable emotional responses evoked in the player, when interacting with the game system

Question 5

Describe the MDA Framework for a shooter game

Answer 5

• Mechanics: Spawn Points, Ammo, Weapons
• Dynamics: Camping, Sniping
• Aesthetics: Challenge, Tension (Sensation)

Question 6

In context of an MDA Framework:
Name 8 kinds of “fun”

Answer 6

1. Sensation - Game as sense-pleasure
2. Fantasy - Game as make-believe
3. Narrative - Game as drama
4. Challenge - Game as obstacle course
5. Fellowship - Game as social framework
6. Discovery - Game as uncharted territory
7. Expression - Game as self-discovery
8. Submission - Game as pastime

Question 7

List Game Elements (from Schell)

Answer 7

• Mechanics - Procedures and rules
  (Mechanics must be in balance! - e.g., for Fairness)
• Story - Sequence of events
• Aesthetics - How the game looks,
  sounds, smells, tastes, and feels
• Technology - Technological foundation
  (digital or mechanical) of the game

Question 8

What are indicators/causes from “Flow Experience” by games

Answer 8

● Extreme focus on a task.
● A sense of active control.
● Merging of action and awareness.
● Loss of self-awareness.
● Distortion of the experience of time.
● The experience of the task being the only necessary justification for continuing it.

(see slides from Pirker - image)

Question 9

List characteristics to create Flow (Flow Experience)

Answer 9

● Have concrete goals with manageable rules.
● Demand actions to achieve goals that fit within the person’s capabilities.
● Have clear and timely feedback on performance and goal accomplishment.
● Diminish extraneous distraction, thus facilitating concentration.

Question 10

Sketch the Flow Diagram

Answer 10