Think of a game that you’ve enjoyed playing. It can be a video game, board game, or something else. See if you can jot down at least three structural elements that make the game successful. After this lecture, I encourage you to discuss your notes with your classmates on the discussion forum.
Right now, I’m really enjoying an RPG called Fallout: New Vegas. Here are the structural elements that make the game successful in my opinion:
- V.A.T.S – provides much of the deeper-level, player metrics for the game. It features an interactive map on one of the screens that give the player information on their current location which is a critical part of any RPG. The game has a sandbox-like game play and the map aids in discovering new locations. The map also provides a means of “fast traveling” from one location to another.
- HUD – is clear and un-cluttered. This is what the player relies upon for the vast majority of the game and it provides essential information about the character’s current status and equipment.
- Skills and Perks – are somewhat related and give the game incredible richness that allows the player to customize their character far beyond the simplistic system of attributes.
- Crafting and modifications – are new and provide the player with even more options on perfecting their characters.
None of these structures are new to RPGs. They are deployed well however as they are designed to match the storyline of the game.