Game Elements

Or, How I learned to love Master Chief

The Rules of Engagement

COMPOUND ELEMENTS

SYSTEMIC ELEMENTS BEHAVIOURAL ELEMENTS

GAMEPLAY• Components• Environments

• Players• Contexts

• Rule Sets• Game Mechanics• Theme• Information• Interface

Our Hero

Name: Master Chief Petty Officer John-117Job: Cyber-soldierRace: Spartan (Spartan Project)Employer: UNSC

Deconstructing the Universe

COMPOUND ELEMENTS

SYSTEMIC ELEMENTS BEHAVIOURAL ELEMENTS

GAMEPLAY• Characterisation• Maps, Problem solving

• One, Multi• Maps, Online Play

• “Save Yourself, Save the World”• FPS with interlaced cutscenes• Hero• Saving, tutorials, Cortana!• Weapons, maps, viewscreen

Activity

In groups of three, discuss the game on your card when you open just the Hero envelope

Think about the hero not just as a character, but also

as a vital part of your game.

Anatomy of a Hero

Component

Player

Theme

Activity

Where is the story set? What elements are involved in the setting of the game???????

Covenant, Arbiter & much more!

Name at least 2 elements in your game, you’ve got 2 minutes!

“Nothing Endures But Change”Heraclitus 540-480 BCE

Contexts

Interface

Environment(s)Do you like the

way it’s all connected?

Do maps also represent Information?

To ai or not to ai, that is the question…

Story

Tutorial

Characterisation (NPC)

Activity

What element(s) does your AI represent in the game?

The Carrier

• She’s a vital part of the story, often you have to save her (see: Pillar of Autumn)

• Being part of Master Chief’s HUD, she’s heavily involved in weapons or vehicle tutorials

• You can’t play as her, but you can interact with her

AI is often used to carry you through a theme or ruleset –

meaning every game element is relevant

Constructing the Universe

Activity

Think about and document 2 game elements in your game that relate to mechanics

What am I using to make this a game?

I need to move the story on…

but how?

Brinkmanship sinks your ships

If this equals that – then what?

Final Activity

Present at least 1 rule for your game. Note: Objectives are outcomes, rules endure!!

Overview

• Make rules, make war!• Use AI as your chorus• Look past game snobbery and consider cut-scenes• Treat your story elements as rules

• Plan your game with maps and worlds

• Let the player do some work!• Reward with response, respond with rewards

PS: Have some serious fun!