The arts of Computer Games
Design
What is game?
To understand what is game and game design, we must
know what is the meaning of word “game”game”
We must also define the fundamental characteristic of all
games
Game can be thought as a subset of reality- no game could
reality-
include all of the reality
To much reality in games will defy the player’s
player’
comprehension – its focus
A game creates a subjective and deliberately simplified
representation of emotional reality.
A game is not an objectively accurate representation of
reality; objective accuracy is only to support the player’s
player’
fantasy. The player’s fantasy is the key agent in making the
player’
game psychologically real.
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Game vs Simulation
Simulation is a serious attempt to accurately represent a real
phenomenon in another, more malleable form
Game is an artistically simplified representation of a
phenomenon
The major difference between the two lies on their purpose
A simulation is created for computational or evaluative
purposes
A Game a game is created for educational or
entertainment purposes.
Accuracy is the sine qua non of simulations; clarity the sine qua
qua
non of games.
Interaction
Some media for representing reality are static.
Eg. Painting, photo..
Some media are dynamic, they show change
with time. Eg. Movie, music, dance..
But the most fascinating thing about reality is
not that it is, but how it changes?
Interaction mostly focus to the process of
allowing the audience to explore its nooks and
crannies and let them generate causes and
observe effects.
Of course, simulation and games are the answer
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Game vs Puzzle
Games can include puzzles as subsets
Most of the time the puzzles are a minor
component of the overall game
Eg. a cube puzzle does not actively
respond to the human’s moves and
mechanics
Game vs stories
Games can include stories as subsets
Most of the time the stories are a minor
component of the overall game
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