The Journey so far…
From a bird’s eye view, the game design process seems like a very simple and straightforward process where you come up with an idea and make a game. It was all fine and good when I was making games that I would like to play. However, the moment your game is put out there for others to play and experience, you realise it is missing many components and that the design is ‘flawed’.
One of the reasons why I felt like having a proper curriculum in game design was to help myself out with understanding the design process and where I am going wrong.
Being enrolled in a game design course helped me go through the process in a more methodical way. The randomness began to fall in place and started forming a pattern.
Scuffling through analog and digital prototypes, learning the importance and significance of both, I learnt the initial implementation of the game design. Learning about ludology, game structure, and game analysis was and still is a fascinating journey that involves exploring different aspects of game design, gameplay mechanics, player experience, and cultural and social influences on game development.
Few of the things that I went through to learn and understand game design were:
- I started with the basics. Before diving deep into game analysis or design, it was essential for me to have a solid understanding of the basics of game development, such as the various types of games, the key components of game design, and the importance of game mechanics, aesthetics, and storytelling.
- Reading a ton of books and articles on game design. There are numerous books and articles on game design, game theory, and game analysis available that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic which is exactly what it did to me.
- One of the important and best ways to learn about game design is by playing games! I played and I am still playing as many games as possible. Games of different genres and themes. As I did so, I paid close attention to the gameplay mechanics, user interface, story elements, and overall design. Later I would try to consider how the game is structured and how the different components work together to create a compelling player experience.
- Another good reason for playing different video games was that I was able to get key points on which I would further base my analysis. Once I felt like I had a good understanding of game design basics and have played a variety of games, I started analysing them to understand what makes them successful. Looking at elements such as the game’s theme, mechanics, pacing, balance, and difficulty level, and think about how they contribute to the player experience.
- Participating in game design communities and events was another fruitful venture. I joined various online game design and game communities on discord and similar platforms which provided me with opportunities to learn from experienced game designers. These platforms are a good place to share your own work, and receive feedback on your ideas. Participating in game jams or game design challenges can also help you refine your skills and gain experience in game design.
The style that I picked up…
While contemplating on which method to follow and which style to adopt, I went through various iterations of the game design process. There is no perfect answer, yet I still wanted to find out what genre and game design style fits me the best or I want to roll with. I realised how I was leaning towards the storytelling part, had a passion for psychology and philosophy and enjoyed action – adventure. Although it dials down to designing a game that fits the client description, I still felt like having a signature style that would help me leave a mark.
I ended up adopting a game design style that complemented the genres of psychological action adventure. A genre that appeals not just action adventure adventure fans but also reels in people who feel a deep connection towards psychology and philosophy.
I believe most of the studios implement the human feelings and psychology in two different ways, either by giving them realism or materialising them. Latter being in a little unconventional domain and least touched. I was more drawn towards the same and always felt like experimenting with it.
In one of my recent game designs called – ‘Ares: The Wounded Armour’, I was able to implement most of the components that I’ve learnt so far and at the same time implement the ‘materialise’ game design style. I was able to give a ‘materialistic’ feel to the theme of the game ‘Impulse’ by manifesting the ICDs – Impulse Control Disorders into physical entities.
Even though I felt happy with the style I adopted I was not feeling content. There are still a few things missing that I want to fill by gaining experience in the gaming industry.
Critiquing my Game Design Style…
Designing psychological action adventure games is a fascinating and challenging endeavour that requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and player psychology.
As I engrossed myself in the game design style that I chose, I started realising the roadblocks and obstacles that presented themselves on the way. Few areas where I believe I could still use a little bit more work are:
- Storytelling: One of the critical elements of psychological action adventure games is the story. Even though I can come up with good stories, I still believe a good story won’t cut it and would want to focus on creating a compelling narrative that engages players and keeps them invested in the game. Consider incorporating psychological themes, such as mental illness, trauma, or identity, to create a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
- Player agency: Giving players agency is crucial in action adventure games. I feel like I should think of designing the games in a way that allows players to make choices that affect the story or gameplay. This can increase player engagement and create a sense of ownership over the game’s outcome.
- Game mechanics: Currently I feel like I lack the skills and information to make the game mechanics go beyond being easy and recurrent. The mechanics of the game should be challenging and engaging enough to keep players interested. Consider including a range of mechanics, such as puzzle-solving, exploration, combat, and stealth, in harmony to create a dynamic and varied gameplay experience.
- Player psychology: As I went through designing, I want to consider more the psychological impact it may have on players. For that I should be able to incorporate elements that create a sense of tension, anxiety, or fear to create an immersive and emotionally charged experience. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential impact on players and ensure that the game is not overly triggering or traumatic.
- Aesthetics: The visual and audio elements are key to game engagement. They contribute significantly to its psychological impact. I need to study and consider using art and sound design to create a mood or atmosphere that supports the game’s themes and narrative.
Conclusion
Game Design is an evolving process and it is difficult to decide onto a single style or a method to follow. However, choosing a style that suits you the best can help you connect to your game designs more and add in a personal touch to any game you create. For me I believe I have a long way to go and I feel excited about developing my own style further. Understand the game design process from different perspectives and its implementation in different environments. The best way to improve game design skill is undoubtedly to keep on learning, practising and designing games.