What is not a game?
A movie is not a game
there is no active participation of the viewer in a movie. The viewer does not control the movie and cannot make decisions that influence the outcome. In games the opposite is true. People do not like it when the outcome of a game it fixed. They want influence on that outcome. They want to be in control.
A toy is not a game
With a toy there are no predefined goals although during play you tend to set such goals yourself.
A drawing program is not a game
no clear set goals.
A puzzle is not a game
A puzzle is static, while a game is dynamic and changes in the course of playing it. A satisfying game can be played over and over again and there are different strategies that lead to success.
What is a game?
A computer game is a software program
A computer game is a software program in which one or more players make decisions through the control of game objects and resources, in pursuit of a goal.
Most computer games have a real-time element that is not present in board games.
Computer games can also be more complex because the game itself can help the players understand the different aspects and teach the player how to play. Finally, computer games can create a more immersive environment by adding wonderful graphics, music and cut-scenes.
A computer game involves players
You should be involved in a game. And a game for hard-core gamers should be rather different from a game for less experienced players.
Playing a game is about making decisions
Of course decisions should have an effect. Surprisingly, in many games the effect of decisions is only marginal. This often leads to frustration. Carefully balancing decisions and their effects is crucial for satisfying game play.
Playing a game is about control
The more freedom there is for the player, the better. However, whenever you need to constrain the user, try to do this in a natural way.
Game objects and resources
The game designer must balance the availability of resource with their need, to achieve interesting game play.
A game needs a goal
People want to win a game and, hence, there must be a goal to reach. For long games there should also be sub-goals
What is a good game?
Reaching Goals
An important part of a game is that there is a goal and the game challenges the player to try and achieve this goal. Actually, there are often many different sub-goals. There must be a challenge
Decisions
The more interesting the decisions, the more interesting the game is.
Balance
In a good game different game aspects are balanced.
Balance between players
If you create a two-player game, you better make sure that the best player normally wins, and not the most lucky one
Balance between the player and the game play
You need to strike a good balance between what the player must do and what the game does for him.
The bottom line is that the player should spend his time and energy on the important aspects, and the game program should do the rest. The game should try to understand what the player wants and take action accordingly, rather than the other way round.
The balance between game features
To keep the decisions interesting you should balance the good aspects of the features with the bad ones.
You have to balance the powers of the player with the power of the computer-controlled opponents.
Rewards
You need to reward a player when he achieves a goal.
Flow
A game gives challenges to the player and the player develops abilities to conquer these challenges.
