Defining Games

a system of rules in which agents compete by making ambiguous decisions.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/167418/what_makes_a_game.php?print=1

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/167418/what_makes_a_game.php?print=1

interactive systems

simulations don't have to be fun

competition isn't important

examples: flight simulators, sim city

contests

measure of ability, not necessarily about meaningful decisions

examples: guitar hero, weightlifting

puzzles

there is a solution

if everyone can figure out the solution, that's a good thing

decisions are irrelevant to the final outcome

examples: crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, math problems

enemies of pure games?

character growth

saved games

story-based structure

Feedback SystemsAdding Some Balance

negative feedback

think of an air conditioning system

hurts you when you're doing well

basketball: for every n points of difference in the team scores, the losing team can have an extra player

positive feedback

think of peggle

rewards you when you're doing well

basketball: for every n points of difference in scores, the winning team can have an extra player

dynamic difficulty adjustment

adjust based on the player's ability

think mario kart