In this article, we will introduce some of the fundamental principles of game design and explain how they can help users create engaging games that people will love to play again and again.
Game design is art, science and magic in equal parts. When making a game, the goal is to create interactive experiences that engage players and make them want to come back for more. There are many aspects to good game design, starting with a concept, gameplay, core mechanics, user interfaces, storytelling, and balancing. Each of these aspects has its own principles and challenges, depending on the specific game's requirements.
There are many ways to approach game design. Today we will delve into the basics to get started and releasing a game for the first time:
Concept Development
The first step is to have idea for your game. Sounds obvious but it can be tricky! What sets a game apart from other similar ones? Define the purpose, target audience, mechanics and what the player's objectives are. A compelling concept should concisely convey the essence of your game in just a few sentences or paragraphs. At Sceneri we provide several sample projects and genres to start creating, and users are free to stray from the original concept as much as they'd like.
Gameplay Design
This is the process of creating the core actions and interactions that players can perform in your game, and how they relate to the game world and objectives. It involves defining the core mechanics, which are the rules and systems that govern how your game works and responds to player input. Your gameplay design should be consistent, intuitive, and rewarding, giving players meaningful choices and feedback.
User Interface Design
Your game's user interface (UI) is what players see and interact with on the screen. It includes things like menus, buttons, icons, text, graphics, sounds, and animations. You want your UI to be clear, simple, and visually appealing, as well as matching your game's style and tone. You also want your UI to work well with the input devices that players use, on mobile it would normally be touch screen, and typical inputs are keyboard, mouse, controllers or even motion controls.
Storytelling
Storytelling can add depth, emotion, and immersion to your game. It's a way to make a game come alive with feelings, actions, and choices. You can use different methods to tell your story, like making characters talk, showing events in cut-scenes, or letting players explore the world. Your story should captivate players and make them care about the outcome and characters.
Balancing
Nobody likes an unfair game, right? If you want a fun and fair game you need to balance it. Balancing means tweaking things like how tough the enemies are, what items you can find, how much resources you need, and what rewards you get. It's important to make sure your game is not too easy or too hard for different players and play styles. The best way to balance your game is to test it a lot and make changes based on feedback. Sharing your game in the Sceneri community and remixing it is a great way to get valuable comments from users and iterating.
Game design is both creative and technical, and it involves creating engaging gameplay experiences. To master the fundamentals of game design, you need to understand the core concepts, mechanics, storytelling techniques, and player-centric strategies that shape games. No matter what game engine you use, these principles are universally applicable and essential for creating captivating games.
To start your game development journey and join a community of creators, sign up for the Sceneri beta or join our official Discord and unleash your creativity!