Task 8 – Elements of Game Design: Pong to Next Gen

Gameplay is the core element in games. It’s the interaction the player has with the game world, it’s how they control the character, explore, solve puzzles, interact with other characters, make choices etc. Gameplay varies from very simple games to complex modern games, but always stays similar in some way. For example most games have the main character (the player), the enemy’s they must kill or avoid and the setting for them to do so.

I think gameplay is the most important part of any game. The best part for me when it comes down to gameplay is to be able to make my own choices whilst playing, and these choices allow you to complete a certain objective or level in a unique way. I like games that allow each person to play it differently, have their own experience with it and yet still want to come back and play it again in a new way.

The big popular games nowadays seem to be very linear. The gameplay and even the story seem to take a backseat and everything is focused on how pretty the game looks. Take Call Of Duty: Black Ops for example, you can breeze through this game in a few hours, without having to use your brain. The rule for gameplay is: Kill these people, go there, kill these people, and take this objective. Popular games like this usually boast a “cinematic experience”, but if I wanted a “cinematic experience” I would watch a film. Although I think this depends on the genre of the game and what kind of people will play it. A first person shooter like COD is open to any casual gamer to pick up and play through, they don’t want to get stuck on a certain part and be too frustrated, they don’t want to be thinking too much about how to complete something; they just want to play through it. This is why I don’t blame the game developers, they know where the big market is, and they aim the game towards them accordingly. This makes money and is the ultimate reason the company exists in the first place.

Whereas other games, like RPGs or MMOs are aimed at the more dedicated gamer, who likes to spend hours on a game, customising their character, collecting items, making their own choices and playing their own way. These games aren’t always as popular but often have a loyal fan base. Game companies recently are making games with both RPG and action elements, which are personally my favourite, games like Oblivion and Mass Effect. 

Everyone has different opinions on what makes a good game because everyone has different tastes. I think game company’s produce a lot of bland shooters because that’s what they think the people want. But they fail to create the unique experience which the classic games have already done, games like Half Life.

I think the difference between a good developer and a bad one is what they focus on the most. If they start with a good concept and solid gameplay, the art direction and technical aspect won’t make as big a difference on how well the game does. I think this gives more responsibility to the people or person who decides what kind of gameplay they have in mind. The best art team and programmers can’t change the core of the game. I think this is proven in games like Minecraft, which I reviewed in my last blog, this game is very successful solely on the gameplay.

I think the balance for a good game is between gameplay and storyline. People can deal with standard gameplay if there is a good story and a simple storyline for great gameplay. But good graphics can’t compensate for both.

I think the gameplay that really makes a good game is just the replay ability. People love to get high scores, collect things and play a game over and over again. This is why games like Pac Man, which could never be completed is considered to be one of the best games ever. I think this has a lot to do with how much you can play it and how addictive it is, even though it is so simplistic. It also has a wide target audience. Similar modern games are Bejeweled and angry birds. Which are simple concepts, with a lot of replay ability, which anyone can pick and play whilst trying to beat their friend’s scores.