Week 3: Game Systems, Resources and Economies Flashcards
What is a model?
A model is a representation of a reality, identifying only the significant parts of that reality which require simulation, reducing the size of the game. This is basically a list of entities (objects), their stats (attributes) and actions (functions).
For example if a character is alive we don’t need to code all the biology which would make up their breathing / digestive system as the player would never see this.
What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a process / set of rules which, when followed, solve a problem, especially by a computer. Data is input, calculations occur and then data is output.
What is Salen and Zimmerman’s definition of a game?
“A game is a system in which players engage in an artificial conflict, defined by rules, that results in a quantifiable outcome.”
What six structures do Salen and Zimmerman believe make up a game’s structure?
Systems: The internal mechanics
Players: The actively playing participants
Artificial: The boundary of real life
Conflict: The contest of power
Rules: The structure out of which play emerges
Outcome: The quantifiable conclusion
What four mechanics can a system be broken down to?
Objects
Attributes
Relationships
Environment
What is an object when talking about systems?
The parts and variables within the system.
What is an attribute when talking about systems?
The qualities of the system and its objects.
What is a relationship when talking about systems?
The internal relationships between different objects.
What is an environment when talking about systems?
The Context of the System.
What is the difference between a closed and open system?
Systems can be closed or open. Closed systems do not interact with their environment, whereas open systems do. The way a game is farmed can change whether it is open or closed.
What is a formal system framework?
The mathematical and logical rules which compose the game.
What is an experiential system framework?
The experiences and interactions of players.
What is a cultural system framework?
The place of the game within society at large and its ideology.
What is a resource?
A type of object within a game which can be owned and have some sort of inherent value.
What are the four types of resource?
Tangible: Represented with physical space
Intangible: Represented as a number, without physical space
Concrete: Within the reality of the game
Abstract: Not in the reality of the game
What is an economy?
The flow of resources and how they change in owner / utility. Consists of four economic functions.
What are the four economic functions of an economy?
Sources: Which create resources eg. GO in Monopoly
Drains: Which destroy resources eg. tax in Monopoly
Converters: Which change a resource of one type to another eg. deeds (money → houses)
Traders: Which change the ownership of resources eg. a vendor
What is a positive feedback loop?
Positive Feedback Loops: “The richer get richer”. Having more resources makes it easier to gain more resources. This encourages a pattern of play in gaining more resources. Can conflict with meaningful play as money loses value (inflation).
What is a negative feedback loop?
Negative Feedback Loops: “The Rich get poorer”. Having more of a resource makes it harder to gain more of a resource. Eg. the blue shell in MarioKart. These lengthen games but can lead to dissatisfaction
What is destructive positive feedback?
Gaining a bad resource makes it easier to gain a bad resource. Must beware rubber banding.
What does it mean when two resources are mutually dependant?
When two or more resources require each other in order to be created. This could lead to a deadlock if both resources are depleted.
How are economies visually represented?
Using Machination Diagrams which consist of pools with triggers connected via rates.
