DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTE: Discussion questions this quarter will serve as a study opportunity. Answer the questions in your notebook or electronically. Use the notes to study for class presentations. When indicated, some discussion questions should be submitted to Kit.
DQ #1
Foundations of Game Design
Define the following concepts in game design:
- Core mechanics
- Gameplay loop
- Game balance
- Difficulty curve
- Reward systems
Answer the following questions based on the definitions you found for the concepts above:
- What makes a mechanic "fun"? How do different reward systems affect player engagement?
- How do different genres define their core gameplay loops (e.g., RPG vs. platformer)?
- What is the difference between "challenging" and "unfair" game design?
- How can reward systems (points, achievements, loot) change player motivation?
DQ #2
TBD
TBD
DQ #3
Gameplay & Storytelling in Games
Define the following concepts in gameplay and storytelling:
- Linear storytelling
- Nonlinear gameplay
- Asymmetric video games
- Branching narratives
- Emergent storytelling
- Emergent gameplay
- Ludonarrative dissonance
- Cooperative video games
Answer the following questions based on the definitions you found for the concepts above:
- Which storytelling method creates the strongest player immersion?
- How does storytelling in games differ from books and movies?
- Can a game succeed without a story if the mechanics are strong? Why or why not?
- Where do you see ludonarrative dissonance in popular games, and how does it affect the experience?
DQ #4
TBD
TBD
DQ #5
TBD
TBD
DQ #6
TBD
TBD
DQ #7
TBD
TBD
DQ #8
TBD
TBD
DQ #9
TBD
TBD