week 2

A2 Elements of an esports game

Gameplay:

gameplay mechanics, e.g. running, jumping, shooting

The mechanics within gameplay are important to its success. Movements such as running, jumping, shooting, crouching, and in some games rolling and crawling need to be considered. When considering the creation of a game these elements can be quickly forgotten. These mechanics may provide another level of depth to a game, enabling for a more immersive gameplay, closer realism to the real-world practices.

goals

All games that have been created have some form of goal, these could be to collect a number of items, score more than your opponent, or to reach the end of a level, world or map. These goals should be clear to the users of the game, and, they should be made quickly to enable better engagement in the game. At the beginning of most games, a mini training/ orienteering section to the user is provided to support the user in the game mechanics and the types of goals and messages that they might experience on the way.

Progression

Once the game begins your players will need to move through the game, how is this done? Games like uncharted follow a game-long story that is broken into different quests and tasks that the player needs to complete, these quests provide skills and potential new abilities to the game's character.

Balance

In an esports game, balance refers to the concept of ensuring that all characters, abilities, and strategies in the game are roughly equal in power and effectiveness. The goal of balance is to ensure that no single player or team has an unfair advantage over others, and that success in the game is primarily based on skill and strategy rather than on having access to overpowered elements.

Achieving balance in an esports game can be a complex process that involves analyzing data, testing different strategies and elements, and making adjustments to the game over time. Game developers and designers work to ensure that every character, ability, and strategy has strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out.

For example, in a game with multiple characters, each character may have unique abilities and stats that give them an advantage in certain situations but also have weaknesses that can be exploited by other players. This ensures that no one character is overpowered and that success in the game requires players to use strategy and skill to overcome their opponents.

Balance is a critical element of gameplay in esports games because it ensures that the game is fair and enjoyable for all players, regardless of their skill level or experience. By ensuring that all elements of the game are balanced, players are more likely to have a fun and engaging experience, and the game is more likely to be successful as an esports title.

Winning Condition

The winning condition is important to giving your game an end objective, however, the condition for each game will be different.

Consider 3 games that you have played, what are the conditions for the completion of a level, or the complete game? Consider not only traditional games, but also educational games, ie Mathletics.

Many games have complexity settings on them, these range from beginner and novice to expert and veteran. These complexities may change the winning conditions of some games removing "allowances" to game characters where they do not have to complete specific tasks or collect specific items to achieve.

strategies.

Interaction model:

In game design, an interaction model is a framework that defines how the player interacts with the game world and its elements. It provides a set of rules and constraints that determine the player's abilities and limitations, as well as how they can interact with the different objects and characters in the game.

The interaction model can be broken down into different areas, including the avatar, characters, vehicle, and omnipresence. Here's a brief overview of each:

Avatar: The avatar is the virtual representation of the player within the game world. It can take on many forms, such as a humanoid character, an animal, or a vehicle. The avatar's abilities and limitations will be determined by the interaction model, such as how fast it can move, how high it can jump, and what actions it can perform.
Characters: Characters are other entities within the game world that the player can interact with. These can include NPCs (non-player characters) that provide quests or information, enemies that the player must defeat, or allies that assist the player in their quest.
Vehicle: In some games, the player may have access to a vehicle that they can use to navigate the game world. The interaction model will define the vehicle's abilities and limitations, such as its speed, manoeuvrability, and durability.
Omnipresence: Omnipresence refers to the ability of the player to interact with the game world in ways that transcend their physical location within the game. This can include things like pausing the game, accessing menus and inventory, or using special abilities that affect the game world in unique ways.

Overall, the interaction model is a crucial aspect of game design that helps to define the player's experience within the game world. It provides a set of rules and constraints that help to create a sense of immersion and challenge, while also giving the player the freedom to explore and interact with the game world in their own unique way.

Single player.

Single player mode is an essential element of esports games that allows players to compete against AI opponents in various game modes. This mode is particularly important for players who want to practice and hone their skills before competing in multiplayer matches.

One example of a game with a robust single-player mode is Starcraft II. Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game that features a detailed single-player campaign, where players take control of one of three factions and progress through a series of missions. The campaign offers a great way for players to learn the game mechanics and strategy, as well as the lore and story behind the game.

Another example is Street Fighter V, a popular fighting game with a deep and challenging single-player mode. In this mode, players can compete against AI opponents of increasing difficulty, unlocking new characters and content as they progress. The mode is designed to help players master the game's complex mechanics and develop their skills before taking on other players in online matches.

One more example is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a fighting game that features a robust single-player mode called "World of Light." In this mode, players take on a series of challenges and battles to rescue characters from the game's extensive roster, each with unique abilities and strengths. The mode offers a great way for players to learn the game mechanics and practice their skills, as well as unlock new characters and content.

Single-player mode is an essential element of esports games that offers players a way to practice and improve their skills, learn the game mechanics and strategy, and unlock new content and rewards. It also adds depth and replayability to the game, making it a more engaging and enjoyable experience for players.

Multiplayer

Ethics

Game design ethics are principles that guide the creation of games that are fair, enjoyable, and safe for players. In the context of esports, game design ethics can play a significant role in ensuring that competitions are fair and balanced, while also maintaining the integrity of the game itself. Here are a few examples of gameplay aspects related to ethics in game design, along with some examples linked to esports:

Balancing gameplay mechanics: Game developers must ensure that the game is balanced and that no single strategy or character is overpowered. In esports, games like League of Legends and Overwatch have teams composed of different characters or heroes, and it is important to ensure that each character has a unique and balanced set of abilities.
Addressing cheating: Cheating can ruin the integrity of competitive gameplay, so game developers must take steps to prevent it. In esports, cheating can come in the form of exploiting bugs or glitches, using third-party software to gain an advantage, or even physical cheating (such as using performance-enhancing drugs). Developers of games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have implemented anti-cheat software to help prevent cheating.
Ensuring player safety: Games must be designed with player safety in mind, both physically and emotionally. In esports, this means ensuring that players are not subjected to harassment or other forms of toxicity while competing. Game developers and esports organizers have taken steps to address this issue, such as implementing systems to report and punish toxic behaviour.
Transparency and fairness in monetization: In-game purchases can be a significant source of revenue for game developers, but it is important to ensure that players are not exploited or misled. In esports, games like Hearthstone and League of Legends use a "loot box" system where players can purchase virtual items with real money. It is important that these systems are transparent and do not exploit players.
Morals and Morality: Desensitising of historical events that could promote acceptance of radical views or ideologies that in them selves could influence others in to following, promoting or undertaking in simular events. A highly publicised example was the airport scene in the Call of Duty story mode.

Rules

The use of rules in a game enables limits and restrictions to the gameplay that can make for a more enjoyable experience for the players. Some rules in games are often overlooked and taken as the norm, for example, a character not being able to walk outside of the map within the game, or, carrying on playing with zero health. Rules are boundaries to keep a game on a path of completion.

Consider some of the rules that you have come across in your games. Discuss amongst yourselves the importance of rules in the games. Create an argument to rules that you would like to remove from a game

The guidance that rules provide to a game can remove any ambiguity around how to play the game, think of them as a Do and Don't sheet.

Things that might need to be covered are;

Environment, Player, Competitions, Progression, Multiplayer, Single Player, Goals/Targets/Achievements, Codes of Conduct for team talk, Codes of Conduct for text chat.

Challenges and rewards.

In most games nowadays there are mini-challenges or quests that run alongside the main game. These challenges and quests provide the game player with another level of interactivity with the game. A classic example of this can be seen in the Fortnight game. In the image below players can see weekly and daily quests that enable them to build their XP to allow them to improve their playing ability and open other perks and rewards.

Image taken from Epic games

Rewards in games can be earnt as discussed above, however, in some game titles, the developers have opened their own currency that players can purchase to buy perks, weapons, skins, and much more.

Player mechanics.

Mechanics are a way for players to achieve game goals, take player actions, and advance strategies to help them progress throughout the game.

A great discussion on Game and Player Mechanics from www.GameDesignSkill.com says

Game mechanics are the interlocking pieces of the game that can interact with each other in a meaningful way. It doesn’t matter if you’re designing a roleplaying game (RPG), a first-person shooter (FPS) or an action adventure game. There are parts of the game that have meaningful consequences, and parts that are fluff.

Mechanics are the bits with consequence. The exact same thing can be a mechanic in one game and fluff in another. If you fire a flaming arrow in one game, and it burns away a patch of vines revealing a path, it’s a mechanic; it can meaningfully affect the game world.

In another game, the exact same concept, a flaming arrow, might trigger an amazing VFX of burning grass, but otherwise act just like a normal arrow. In that case, the fire is fluff; it has no meaningful effect on gameplay.

Games Design Skills

If we take the Mario Game we can see that the player Mechanics are;

- Landing on an enemy should trigger a unique reaction in each enemy. Here are some examples we’ve brainstormed:
  - Goomba – squishes flat, dies after a moment
  - Koopa – retreats into its shell, moves again if Mario runs into it later
  - Spiny – hurts Mario (should not be dealt with this way – fireball instead)
  - Buzzy Beetle – retreats into shell, immune to fireballs.
  - Lakitu – dies and leaves his cloud behind
  - Lakitu Cloud – lets you ride and control the cloud. (note: delayed till a future game due to technical limitations)

Player skill level:

grass roots

When looking at player skills and abilities Grassroots events provide an opportunity to create and nurture new talent, but a safe space for diversity and inclusion. These are normally community-led and allow for new and potential future esports greats to emerge.

amateur

Amateur players are those that have interests in the competitive arenas, they normally have no membership or alliance with any team in esports and participate in a casual manner.

semi-pro

Semi-pro players fall into a bracket where they are part-time. This may mean that participation in competitions and events may fall inside times when they are not working. Semi-professional players can have sponsorships and team memberships however this may not be the sole provider of any revenue streams that the individual may have.

professional.

Professional players are individuals who are at the top of an elite few who are considered the best players within a title. These players may compete as part of a team or individually, and they can be found to participate in many competitions and championship events. Professional players may also use their membership and sponsorship as their main source of income allowing them to further practice and compete in events.

Game structure.

The game structure is an essential element of esports game design that refers to the rules and mechanics that govern how the game is played. It encompasses the various game modes, objectives, win conditions, and progression systems that shape the player experience.

One example of a well-structured esports game is League of Legends (LoL). In LoL, two teams of five players each compete to destroy the enemy team's Nexus, a heavily guarded structure at the heart of the opposing team's base. The game features several modes, including Summoner's Rift, the main competitive mode, and ARAM (All Random All Mid), a more casual game mode.

Another example is Overwatch, a team-based first-person shooter that has gained popularity in the esports scene. In Overwatch, two teams of six players each compete to complete objectives and eliminate the opposing team. The game features a diverse cast of heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles, and several game modes, including Assault, Control, Escort, and Hybrid.

A well-designed game structure is crucial for the success of an esports title. It provides a clear framework for competitive play, facilitates the creation of balanced and engaging gameplay, and encourages players to keep coming back for more.

Rocket League is another great example of a well-structured esports game. It combines elements of soccer and driving to create a unique and exciting gameplay experience.

In Rocket League, two teams of up to four players compete to score goals by hitting a giant ball into the opposing team's goal. The game is played in a large, enclosed arena with boost pads scattered throughout, which players can use to increase their car's speed and manoeuvrability.

Rocket League features several game modes, including Standard (3v3), Doubles (2v2), and Solo Duel (1v1). The game also includes a robust ranking system that allows players to progress through the ranks by winning matches and earning points.

The game's simple yet challenging mechanics, fast-paced gameplay, and accessible controls make it an excellent choice for both casual and competitive players. Rocket League's structured game design and competitive scene have helped to establish it as a popular esports title, with several high-profile tournaments and leagues held annually.

Targeted audience.

The audiences that a game has can vary depending on its content and genres. Therefore if a specific audience is required to be targeted the development of key features within it must appear and appeal to those who are being targeted. Classic examples of games that have been developed for a specific audience are the mobile game "paper toss" and "Cut the Rope" these games have been designed to hit a casual game player that may not be a Gamer.

Assignment Support

For distinction standard, learners will provide a clear and structured evaluation of the principles of game design for two esports games in two different genres. As part of the evaluation, research into the target audience for specific titles will be wholly considered. Learners will provide clear examples of the principles of game design and how they are used to develop games in the industry, as well as games in esports. Learners must make comparisons between games that are used for esports and games that are not, discussing what factors make them more viable as an esports game. The report, which can be a document, blog post, voice recording or presentation, will demonstrate high-quality written/oral communication through the use of accurate and fluent vocabulary to support a well-structured and considered response that clearly connects all aspects together.

For merit standard, learners will show a clear understanding of how the principles of game design affect and influence games genres. The findings must be rational and well balanced, showing discussions on why some of the principles are used to design a game. These findings will be supported with some relevant research and case studies between at least two esports games, each from different genres. Learners must be technically accurate and demonstrate a good quality of written/oral communication and skills.

For pass standard, learners will provide basic knowledge of the principles of game design and how they are used to create games. The descriptions must be supported by examples of games that are used in esports e.g. League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and how the games use the principles of game design. Learners will investigate these principles and provide an explanation of how they are used individually and why they are important to the development of games.

Last Updated
2023-04-19 08:54:31

Links to Learning Outcomes		Links to Assessment criteria
Learning aim A: Understand the principles of game design		A.P1 Explain the principles of game design. A.P2 Explain how the principles of game design impact on making games. A.M1 Compare the design principles for different games genres. A.D1 Evaluate the impact of the design principles for different games genres and their targeted audiences.

Links to Learning Outcomes

Links to Assessment criteria

Learning aim A: Understand the principles of game design

A.P1 Explain the principles of game design.

A.P2 Explain how the principles of game design impact on making games.

A.M1 Compare the design principles for different games genres.

A.D1 Evaluate the impact of the design principles for different games genres and their targeted audiences.

English

Writing: Write to communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, using and adapting forms and selecting vocabulary appropriate to task and purpose in ways that engage the reader

Analysis of information: Interpreting Results, Drawing conclusions from data, Comparing data

Maths