How To Pick A LockCreating Intuitive, Immersive

Minigames

-Kent Hudson

About Me

Creative Director, Midway Austin Unannounced Title (Soon, though!)

Designer, Ion Storm Deus Ex: Invisible War (Level Design, Game

Data) Deus Ex PS2 (Firefighting) Thief: Deadly Shadows (Firefighting)

Minigames

What is a minigame? A small game within a game, with

custom rules and controls Why use a minigame?

Variation Player Expectation Immersion

What makes a good minigame? Ease of Understanding

Does the player get it at first sight? Does it meet logical expectations?

Ease of Use Is it simple to use? Is it well tuned and balanced?

Immersion Few, if any, layers of abstraction Smooth transition between game and

minigame

What makes a good minigame? Rewarding of Player Skill

Can the player get better at it? If so, why does that matter?

Meaningful Consequences Do success and failure matter? If so, inside or outside the minigame?

Goals

Ease of Understanding Ease of Use Immersion Rewarding of Player Skill Meaningful Consequences

Analysis

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Thief II: The Metal Age Deus Ex Saints Row Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Thief: Deadly Shadows

But first, a disclaimer....

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Ease of Understanding - Medium Ease of Use - Low Immersion - Medium Rewarding of Player Skill - Low Meaningful Consequences - Low

Thief II: The Metal Age

Thief II: The Metal Age

Ease of Understanding - Low Ease of Use - High Immersion - Medium Rewarding of Player Skill - Low Meaningful Consequences - Medium

Deus Ex

Deus Ex

Ease of Understanding - Medium Ease of Use - High Immersion - Medium Rewarding of Player Skill - Low Meaningful Consequences - Low

Saints Row

Saints Row

Ease of Understanding - High Ease of Use - High Immersion - Low Rewarding of Player Skill - Low Meaningful Consequences - Low

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Ease of Understanding - Medium Ease of Use - High Immersion - High Rewarding of Player Skill - Medium Meaningful Consequences - Low

Thief: Deadly Shadows

Thief: Deadly Shadows

Ease of Understanding - Low Ease of Use - Medium Immersion - High Rewarding of Player Skill - High Meaningful Consequences - Medium

Goals - Recap

Ease of Understanding Ease of Use Immersion Rewarding of Player Skill Meaningful Consequences

The End

Questions? Comments? Snide remarks?