Gameplay

The gameplay loop is crucial in game design because it keeps players engaged by providing a repetitive yet rewarding cycle of actions and outcomes. It’s the core sequence of activities that players repeatedly perform to progress in the game, such as completing objectives, earning rewards, and improving their skills. A well-designed gameplay loop ensures that players remain motivated and invested over time.

For example, in Minecraft, the gameplay loop involves gathering resources, crafting items, and building structures, which keeps players engaged as they explore and create in the game world. Similarly, in Fortnite, the loop consists of dropping into a map, scavenging for weapons and resources, engaging in combat, and aiming to be the last person standing, which keeps players coming back for the thrill of each new match. Understanding and designing effective gameplay loops is key to creating games that are not only fun but also compelling and replayable.

Gameplay Loop Break!

A gameplay loop breaking or failing can significantly impact the player experience. Here are some examples of gameplay loop issues and how they can break the flow of a game:

1. Repetitive and Monotonous Tasks

• Example: In Assassin’s Creed Unity, players criticized the repetitive nature of certain side missions, which involved similar tasks with minimal variation. This repetition can make the gameplay loop feel monotonous and boring.
• Breakage: When tasks become too repetitive, players may lose interest, leading to a lack of engagement and motivation to continue playing.

2. Inadequate Rewards

• Example: In Destiny, some players felt that the rewards for completing activities like raids were not always worth the effort. The lack of meaningful rewards or progression can make the gameplay loop feel unrewarding.
• Breakage: If rewards don't match the effort required or if they're not desirable, players might feel their time is wasted, breaking their engagement with the loop.

3. Technical Issues and Bugs

• Example: In Cyberpunk 2077, numerous bugs and performance issues at launch disrupted the gameplay loop for many players. Problems like crashing, glitches, and broken quests can break the immersion and flow of the game.
• Breakage: Technical issues can halt progress and make the gameplay experience frustrating, breaking the intended flow of the loop.

4. Inconsistent Feedback and Controls

• Example: In No Man’s Sky at launch, players reported issues with inconsistent controls and unclear feedback during various activities, which disrupted the intended gameplay loop.
• Breakage: Poor feedback and controls can make the gameplay feel frustrating and unintuitive, breaking the smooth flow of the loop.

Mini Activity

Choose a video game you like and spend some time playing it. Take detailed notes on the gameplay loop in your visual diary and answer the following questions:

1. What are the core actions I repeatedly perform?

   • Example: What actions does the game require me to do over and over, like attacking enemies, gathering resources, or solving puzzles?

2. What is the main objective or goal of each gameplay session?

   • Example: What is the primary purpose of playing each time, such as completing a mission, reaching a high score, or advancing through levels?

3. How do I receive feedback or rewards for my actions?

   • Example: How does the game reward me for completing tasks, such as earning points, unlocking new content, or progressing in the story?

4. How does the game challenge me?

   • Example: What obstacles or difficulties do I face repeatedly, and how do they change or evolve over time?

5. How does the gameplay loop start and end?

   • Example: What triggers the beginning of a new loop, and what marks the end of one cycle before starting again?

6. What keeps me motivated to repeat the loop?

   • Example: What aspects of the game encourage me to keep playing, such as the satisfaction of progress, the thrill of competition, or the desire to explore more content?

7. Are there any variations or changes in the loop as I progress?

   • Example: Does the gameplay loop evolve or introduce new elements as I advance through the game, such as new challenges or abilities?

8. How does the game balance the loop to keep it engaging?

   • Example: Does the game provide a good mix of challenge and reward, and does it manage to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting?

Gameplay progression is how a game’s challenges, content, and mechanics change as players move forward. It’s the process of guiding players from the beginning of the game, where things are usually simpler, to more advanced stages with greater complexity and difficulty.

Key Elements of Gameplay Progression

1. Increasing Difficulty

   • What It Is: As players advance, the challenges they face become more difficult. This can include tougher enemies, more complex puzzles, or faster-paced action.
   • Why It Matters: Gradual difficulty increases keep players engaged and prevent the game from becoming too easy or too frustrating. It helps maintain a sense of challenge and accomplishment.

2. Unlocking New Content

   • What It Is: New levels, areas, abilities, or items become available as players progress. This keeps the game fresh and interesting.
   • Why It Matters: Unlocking new content provides variety and motivation. Players look forward to discovering and experiencing new aspects of the game.

3. Skill Development

   • What It Is: Players improve their skills and strategies as they play. The game might introduce mechanics that require more advanced techniques or strategies.
   • Why It Matters: Skill development ensures that players are constantly learning and growing. It also makes their success feel more rewarding.

4. Narrative Advancement

   • What It Is: The story or plot of the game unfolds as players progress. New story elements, characters, or plot twists are revealed.
   • Why It Matters: Narrative progression keeps players invested in the game’s story and provides a sense of purpose and direction.

5. Reward Systems

   • What It Is: Players receive rewards like points, new equipment, or achievements as they progress. These rewards can also include cosmetic changes or upgrades.
   • Why It Matters: Rewards provide motivation and satisfaction. They acknowledge players’ efforts and successes, encouraging them to continue.

Gameplay progression is essential for keeping players engaged and motivated. It ensures that the game remains challenging and interesting from start to finish. By designing effective gameplay progression, game developers can create a rewarding experience that encourages players to continue exploring and mastering the game.