Fundamentals of Game Design Chapter 4: Continued

Fundamentals of Game DesignChapter 4: ContinuedSE 3GB3Chris Harrington11-Feb-13OutlineThe Dimensions of a Game WorldThe Physical DimensionThe Temporal DimensionThe Environmental DimensionThe Emotional DimensionThe Ethical DimensionRealismSummary

The Dimensions of a Game WorldMany different propertiesTwo Categories for the PropertiesQuantitative (ex Size.)Qualitative (ex Mood.)Related properties are the Dimensions

Physical DimensionSpatial DimensionalityScaleBoundariesSpatial Dimensionality2D2.5D3D4D

ScaleScalerefers to both theabsolutesize of the physical space represented, as measured in units

BoundariesA line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.The Temporal DimensionVariable TimeAnomalous TimeLetting the Player Adjust time

The Environmental DimensionCultural ContextPhysical SurrondingsDetailDefining a StyleOverused SettingsSources of Inspiration

The Emotional DesignInfluencing the Players FeelingsLimitations of FunYou cant Paint Emotion by Numbers

Design Rule: Avoid Implausible ExtremesDont make your game about the fate of the world if you are serious about producing emotional resonance with your audience; the fate of the world is too big to grasp. Make your game about the fate of people instead.The Ethical DimensionMoral Decision-MakingViolence in video games

Moral Decision MakingSimple Ethics: Clobber the bad guys, protect the goodPreachy material can be off puttingDifficult decisions are at the heart of good story telling

The Peculiar Morality of Americas ArmyTeaches how real soldiers are meant to fight in two waysPlayers must act in conformance of the actual disciplinary requirementsBoth Sides see them selves as US soldiers (perspective)

Violence in Video Games

Realism

Simplification of the real worldCan have realistic graphics but unrealistic physicsLet R rep. Realism0