Game Loops & Decisions
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"A game is a series of interesting decisions."
Sid Meier, GDC 1989
People are easily bored with situations where they have no agency, or choice. This is why it's important to carefully consider what meaningful decisions players will be able to make in your Experience. This is what makes games fun.
Hint: Even if players can't win, they will continue playing if they can influence the outcome.
A loop is any repeating action you may find in a game. The core loop is the sequence of main actions repeated in your game, such as exploring a level, collecting resources, and using the resources to build something, then using what you built to explore more areas and so on.
Secondary loops are additional sequences of actions that can happen on the side, like visiting a shop to buy equipment to explore more areas faster or leveling up your equipment at a blacksmith so you can explore harder to reach areas when you get back into the core loop again.
Below are some sample gameplay loops you may find in various game types to help you get started. You can combine game genres and create more complex loops. The new Game Rules system allows you to create variables, unlocking many new gameplay types, which could be included in secondary loops to make your core loop more interesting.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Build Defenses:
Strategically place towers or units to defend against waves of enemies.
Wave Combat:
Survive and repel waves of enemies using the placed defenses.
Resource Management:
Collect resources to build and upgrade towers.
SECONDARY LOOP
Tower Upgrades:
Upgrade individual towers to enhance their effectiveness.
SECONDARY LOOP
Research:
Unlock new tower types or abilities through research.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Navigate Obstacles:
Overcome a series of challenging obstacles and platforming elements.
Precision Movement:
Execute precise jumps, slides, and maneuvers to progress.
Time Trials:
Complete courses as quickly as possible.
SECONDARY LOOP
Cosmetic Customization:
Unlock and customize the appearance of the character.
SECONDARY LOOP
Community Courses:
Create and share custom obstacle courses with other players.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Gather Resources:
Collect raw materials or currency through various means.
Build/Expand:
Use resources to construct or upgrade structures, or expand territory.
Economic Optimization:
Manage resources efficiently to sustain growth and development.
SECONDARY LOOP
Research & Development:
Invest in technologies or upgrades to improve resource efficiency.
SECONDARY LOOP
Trade:
Engage in trading with other players or AI entities for additional resources.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Automated Progression:
Gain resources or progress over time through simple actions or passively.
Upgrades:
Invest earned resources in upgrades to boost passive gains.
Prestige Systems:
Reset progress for additional bonuses and accelerated growth.
SECONDARY LOOP
Quests & Achievements:
Complete tasks for extra rewards.
SECONDARY LOOP
Social Features:
Connect with other players in guilds or through shared leaderboards.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Combat:
Engage in real-time, fast-paced combat against enemies.
Skill Mastery:
Learn and master various combat skills and abilities.
Exploration:
Navigate through diverse environments filled with challenges.
SECONDARY LOOP
Loot and Gear:
Collect and upgrade weapons, armor, and equipment.
SECONDARY LOOP
Challenges:
Complete additional challenges or side quests for extra rewards.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Social Interaction:
Connect and communicate with other players in a shared space.
Mini-Games:
Engage in collaborative or competitive mini-games.
Cosmetic Customization:
Personalize avatars or living spaces.
SECONDARY LOOP
Events & Gatherings:
Participate in scheduled events or gatherings.
SECONDARY LOOP
Achievements:
Unlock achievements related to social interactions and participation.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Deception:
Players take on roles with hidden agendas, working to achieve or thwart objectives.
Discussion & Voting:
Engage in discussions to identify or mislead others, followed by voting.
Investigation:
Gather information to uncover other players' true identities and motives.
SECONDARY LOOP
Roles & Abilities:
Unique roles with special abilities or information.
SECONDARY LOOP
Dynamic Scenarios:
Varied game scenarios or objectives to keep gameplay fresh.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Resource Scavenging:
Collect resources to satisfy hunger, thirst, and other needs.
Crafting:
Craft tools, weapons, and shelter for survival.
Threat Avoidance:
Evade or confront hostile entities and environmental dangers.
SECONDARY LOOP
Base Building:
Construct and upgrade a base or shelter.
SECONDARY LOOP
Dynamic Weather/Cycles:
Adapt to changing environmental conditions.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Exploration:
Navigate surreal and mysterious environments representing liminal spaces.
Puzzles:
Solve puzzles or challenges to progress.
Atmosphere & Horror:
Experience an eerie atmosphere with potential horror elements.
SECONDARY LOOP
Narrative Unraveling:
Discover the backstory and lore of the backrooms.
SECONDARY LOOP
Survival Elements:
Manage resources and avoid or confront unsettling entities.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Survival:
Navigate dark and unsettling environments while avoiding or confronting threats.
Atmospheric Horror:
Experience tension and fear through atmospheric elements.
Puzzle-Solving:
Solve puzzles to uncover the story or progress.
SECONDARY LOOP
Resource Scarcity:
Manage limited resources such as ammunition or health items.
SECONDARY LOOP
Narrative Unraveling:
Discover the narrative through found documents or audio logs.
CORE GAMEPLAY LOOP
Puzzle-Solving:
Engage in a series of challenges that require critical thinking and logic.
Exploration:
Discover clues and hidden elements to progress through the puzzle.
Narrative Integration:
Integrate puzzles seamlessly into the game's narrative.
SECONDARY LOOP
Difficulty Levels:
Offer various difficulty levels for players with different skill levels.
SECONDARY LOOP
Dynamic Puzzles:
Incorporate puzzles that evolve or change dynamically.
Adventure
Exploration:
Explore a rich, narrative-driven world with diverse environments.
Questing:
Accept and complete quests to advance the storyline.
Character Interaction:
Engage with non-player characters to uncover lore and receive guidance.
SECONDARY LOOP
Choice & Consequence:
Make decisions that impact the narrative or character relationships.
SECONDARY LOOP
Collectibles & Achievements:
Hunt for hidden collectibles and unlock achievements.
Types of Decisions
Short-term - tactical, reactive
Long-term - strategic, proactive
Timing of Decisions
Real time - pressured by game events
Turn based - time to plan decisions
Characteristics of Decisions
Immediate vs. Persistent Effects
Indirect "Ripple" Effects
Meet Short and/or Long Term Goals
Economic/Resource Management
Survival/Situational
Influences on Player Decisions
Preferred play style(s)
Personal beliefs/feelings
Assumptions from previous games
Conclusions of how your game works based on information or experiential learning opportunities you provide
Trade-offs/