- Game Loops And Systems
Game loops are a repeatable series of actions that the player can take. They makeup the base of the players game experience, hence they are an important game mechanic. These gameplay loops can be something simple such as walking side to side, they are simply a repeated action that your player must take to engage in the game.
So what makes a good gameplay loop?
- provides a consistent gameplay experience
- plays into the narrative, acts as a guide
- gives the player a way to interact and advance
There are different types of gameplay loops. As i mentioned a gameplay loop can be something as simple as walking your character across the screen. This is a core gameplay loop, something that is almost always consistently happening. Something such as solving puzzles or interacting with NPC’s would be considered a meta gameplay loop. They happen repeatedly at many different points in the game but aren’t the key core components to how the game functions. Meta gameplay loops focus more into the player progression or narrative story telling of a game.
Here I have created a simple gameplay loop based off of my game idea. Its the actions the player will take when finding and solving puzzles whilst trying to navigate their and unlock memories.
Game Pillars
Game pillars are the core ideas you will base a game around. Your game pillars should be the most vitally important aspects of your game and be brief, concise and easily explained.
These are the core gameplay pillars I have so far. Since my game idea is someone who has passed away exploring their past following a series of puzzles to unlock memories i felt as though these three words are a way of simplifying that. Three words summarising and setting the tone for a game, at its core this is what gameplay pillars are.