The document discusses the goals and mechanics of game design, emphasizing the importance of user experience and psychological factors that influence engagement. It outlines the concept of indirect control through various methods such as constraints, goals, and visual design to create enjoyable interactive experiences. Ultimately, the document underscores that the essence of good game design lies in providing pleasure and a sense of accomplishment for the player.

1. Lessons from Game Design
Jesse Schell
@jesseschell
Midwest UX 2015

8. What is a game designer’s goal?

11. Experience
Mechanics
A game consists of…

12. Introspection
• Pros?
• I am the user! I can see into
my MIND!
• My motivation solves a
problem!
• SPEED!
• Cons?
• Bias!
• Paralysis by analysis

13. Experiencing Mind Analyzing Mind

14. Analyze Memories Two Passes
Sneak Glances Observe Silently

15. Work in the invisible world
at least as hard as you do in
the visible.
-Rumi

17. Choco-fication!

25. Rewards can Backfire

31. Self-Determination Theory
Competence Autonomy Relatedness
I want to be
good at what
I do!
I want
freedom!
I want to
connect to
others!

32. “Hafta” “Wanna”
Slavery Freedom
Duty Fun
Work Play
Efficiency Pleasure

37. Games are special because…
• They are interactive
• They are designed ENTIRELY for
pleasure

38. Games provide:
•Clear Feedback
•A Sense of Progress
•The Possibility of Success
•Mental and Physical Exercise
•A Chance to Satisfy Your Curiosity
•A Chance to Solve a Problem
•A Feeling of Freedom

39. Sensation
Fantasy
Discovery
Laughter
Story
Challenge
Thrill
Triumph
Expression

40. -or-

42. Low Interest
Medium Interest
High Interest

43. A Good Interest Curve
Interest
Time

44. A Bad Interest Curve
Interest
Time

45. Does this work for long and short
experiences?

46. Interest Curves are Fractal

47. Three Factors of Interest
1 : Inherent interest of events
2 : Poetry of presentation
3 : Psychological proximity

48. Psychological Proximity
You
Them
Me

49. Three Factors of Interest
1 : Inherent interest of events
2 : Poetry of presentation
3 : Psychological proximity
Interest
Time

51. Chainsaw Juggling
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

53. Violin Concerto
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

55. Tetris
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

56. A Great Experience
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

57. The Art of Interactive
Entertainment
is
The Art of Indirect Control

58. 1) Indirect Control through Constraints

59. 2) Indirect Control through Goals
Go get some bananas!

60. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

61. 3) Indirect Control through Interface

63. 4) Indirect Control through Visual Design
We are led to believe a lie
when we see with, not through, the eye.
- William Blake

67. Aladdin Mark II

68. Aladdin Mark II

69. Aladdin Mark III (multiplayer)

70. 5) Indirect Control Through Characters

72. 6) Indirect Control through Music

73. Six Methods of Indirect Control
1) Constraints
2) Goals
3) Interface
4) Visual Design
5) Characters
6) Music

78. When the best leader’s work is done,
the people say “We did it ourselves!”
- Lao Tzu

79. Is it worth it?

85. Thanks!
Slides: jesseschell.com
Email: jesse@schellgames.com
Twitter: @jesseschell