This document discusses common elements in video games that keep players engaged. It begins by asking why players can't put games down and why they get better as they play. It then discusses common goals players want to achieve in games, obstacles that impede progress, and tools players use to overcome obstacles. The document also covers the ability to fail and try again through mechanics like extra lives and health bars. It explains how gameplay leads to learning skills that transfer between similar games. In the end, it discusses how games create a balance between failure and success loops to teach players through mistakes in a way that keeps them progressing.

2. Ask your self these QuestionsWhy can’t you put the game down?See GoalsWhy do you get better as you play?See LearningHow can I die so many times?See Second ChancesFirst lets look at some games.

4. Confused?These are just some of the games I have played in my life time.Just by looking at them they seem quite complicated.Lets make it easier

5. What the Player wishes to achieve.Main goalsI want to win!Sub-GoalsShiny thingsSense of purpose.Reason to go on.Goal

6. Something that impedes the player’s progress.Example:Spike pitA MonsterA challenge of sorts. Feeling of AccomplishmentObstacles

7. Tools are what the player use to get to a goal.Examples:A SwordA SpellA JumpYour vocabulary…Learn to use them properly.Tools

8. Goal:Cure CancerComfort PatientTool:Chemo BlasterAntibiotic RocketsObstacle:Cancer CellsBacteriaExamples

9. The Player’s ability to fail and try again.Its just a game.Examples:Extra LivesHealth BarQuest for perfectionSecond Chances

10. The process of acquiring skills and knowledge through gameplay.This learning translates to similar games.Played one FPS played them all.The next few slides will clarifyLearning

11. The SetupHow the concepts work together

12. What should happen

13. What usually happens

14. Another chance

15. A touch of insight

16. It’s learning!

17. In Other Words?The learning process in games is accomplished by making mistakes and learning from them.The game keeps the player from progressing until they get it right.

18. Failure LoopIf the player keeps failing they will be stuck in this loop. The player can’t progress until they overcome this obstacle.

19. Success LoopWhen the player over comes the obstacle they prove to the game that they have learned.

20. BalanceThe best games balance these failure and success loops to generate game flow.Portal by Valve is one of the best examples. Go play it or any game with this model in mind.