But the most fascinating thing about reality is not that it is, or even that it changes, but how it changes, the intricate webwork of cause and effect by which all things are tied together.”
The Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford, 1997.
I think we can all agree that this quote not only explains how a game functions but the difference between a good game and a great game is just how intricate or in-depth the designers take the story and give the player a multitude of options on how they want the story to be told. Not only is it significant but compared to other means of entertainment in which you cannot control the situation makes it special for the player. Allowing you to become the protagonist in the game, and leading “your story” to either victory or inevitable doom is whatever favors the player and makes them want to play it again.
Conflict can only be avoided by eliminating the active response to the player’s actions. Without active response, there can be no interaction. Thus, expunging conflict from a game inevitably destroys the game.”
The Art of Computer Design by Chris Crawford, 1997.
This quote I felt explains why games like Call of Duty, Halo Infinite, or even Pokémon have such a high success rate because there’s a lot of conflict going on. All games have some level of conflict, it’s hard to really decipher ones that don’t but removing that element from any game is just going to promote disaster and an unhappy player. Why? A game without real reaction, challenges, rewards, etc. serves no purpose because it would be just dull and boring. People love a challenge, a story, and feeling accomplished in their gaming time.
Motivating factors get people to approach games in general; enjoyment factors help them make their choice of particular games.”
The Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford, 1997.
This couldn’t be truer. Every gamer has a preference when choosing a game to play. Personally, I am more of a player vs player type of gamer in which I enjoy entering a game with options for me to choose on how to approach my enemies with strategy, precision, and execution. Games like Destiny, Call of Duty, Smite, Elder Scrolls Online, and GTAV. But I also love games that allow a large group of people to play and be a part of a clan/tribe/team. This allows me to bring in my friends to play whilst making new friends and possibly being a part of a community. Any game with these motivating factors I would give it a try and if I see potential, I will bug my friends to get the game too.
