Game Decisions
What should be the number 1 goal for any game designer? To keep the players interested in their game of course. To ensure their game is as enjoyable as possible. How does this occur... the flow theory.
Flow theory in game design is a theory suggesting how a game designer keeps their players engaged with their game. To prevent anything occurring that may induce the player to put the controller down and walk away from the game. There is a chart that suggests a way to create a game in regards to level progression. As the game progresses, it should get more challenging but easily doable. For example, if a game is too easy, the player can get bored. If the game gets too challenging, the player can become frustrated. There needs to be a happy medium.
A game is about making choices. When critiquing a game (yours or someone else's), consider the players' choices, their significance, and their reasoning. You will be a better game designer if you understand what makes some decisions more compelling than others. Games are also good for teaching people new skills. Flow states are extremely pleasurable for the brain, and they contribute significantly to the “fun” that games provide.
In a game, players make decisions. You have a movie or other linear activity if you remove all decisions. As mentioned in Challenges, there are two notable exceptions: and some gambling games. For gambling games, a lack of decisions is understandable. In most gambling games, the thrill of potentially winning or losing large sums of money is removed, and the game loses its appeal. You won't play Craps or a slot machine at home if you're only playing for chips.
Cognitive Flow: The Psychology of Great Game Design (gamedeveloper.com)
The flow theory applied to game design – Design better games (thinkgamedesign.com)
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