Game systems design
6.1.1 Identify and diagram a system pattern from an existing game
Pick a favourite game. Identify a feedback loop (balancing or reinforcing) and diagram the relationship. Drawings, icons, or even Paint are fine. Clarity and systemic correctness matter more than polish.
A simple reinforcing loop is enough. Do not list every element. Abstract, and show a tiny part of the game. You can grow the diagram later.
How do real-world systems influence game systems? Which real-world systems are over- or underrepresented in video and board games? In your favourite games?
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6.1.2 Diagram a feedback loop in Tiny Pixel Fights
Take your Tiny Pixel Fights version, identify a feedback loop, and diagram it.
Diagram a different loop than 6.1.1. If you did an economy before, try an ecology or an engine here.
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6.2 What other systems can you add?
You have a solid core: a fun, meaningful combat system. Next, add a meta-system: a system that takes performance from core play and lets players invest resources to improve that core. Meta-systems often use “engine” patterns and happen between matches.
Design a meta-game around combat. Add elements that feed combat and feed themselves. Diagram how the meta-game feeds back into core play.
Then implement it and playtest if you can. Extra art in a similar style is available from Kenney Assets.
Stuck? Think of an RPG: core play is combat; doing well gives coins and XP; better weapons and skills improve combat; that yields more coins and XP. The cycle continues.
Meta-systems often “keep players playing.” Find a free-to-play game, identify a meta-system, and explain how it might keep people playing longer.
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Lesson check
Game systems — Lesson 6
1 / 4A reinforcing feedback loop…
Pick an answer to see if you are right.