Game theory can support game design practice by exposing structural elements that can inform certain game features. For example, theory on character engagement identifies that player engagement comes from a character's goals and possible/impossible actions, which are design aspects that connect gameplay and storytelling. Applying theory to design can reveal gaps and help strengthen understanding to improve character-driven gameplay.

1. How can game studies support
game design practice?
Petri Lankoski

2. One Answer
• Theory exposes
structures
➡ useful for
designing certain
kinds of features
into a game
Trial and error vs. theory
Figure: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

3. Theory: Character
Engagement
• Player Character (PC)
‣ Goals
Empathic Goal-Related
Engagement Engagement
PC ‣ Possible and
impossible actions
‣ Predefined functions
‣ Cut-scenes

4. Practice: Character-
Driven Gameplay
• Goals, possible and
impossible actions,
predefined functions
‣ are designable
aspects
‣ connect gameplay &
storytelling
Figures: Snap2Obejcts (CC BY 3.0), SadMonkey Design

5. Practice & Theory
• Applying theory to
design
• can reveal
missing
understanding
• can help to fill
gaps
Lies and Seductions

6. Questions?