On the surface level, games seem to be relatively simple and easy to make. However, there are actually quite a few elements that need to be set into place to create a well-rounded, entertaining, and immersive game.
Some of the elements include objectives and goals, a fun gameplay loop, engaging mechanics, and more. This article will look at five essential gameplay elements that every game needs in order to provide an entertaining experience to players.
Fun Gameplay Loop
The first element on this list that every game needs is a fun gameplay loop. Before getting into what constitutes a fun gameplay loop, we first need to establish what a gameplay loop is. A gameplay loop is basically the actions that are completed over and over again. For instance, in Minecraft, it would be collecting resources, building, surviving enemies, then repeating.
Every game needs a fun gameplay loop in order to keep players engaged. Even simple games like situs judi online slot games, which involve choosing a denomination to bet with, selecting pay lines to bet on, and then spinning the reel, are fun. Why? Because the other aspects of the game are fun, too; there are exciting animations, an engaging soundtrack, engaging sounds when combinations are made, and more.
Objectives and Goals
The next element that every game needs are clear objectives and goals that players need to complete. One of the reasons this is so important is that it is very easy for players to feel lost or confused when playing a game that doesn’t have clear objectives and goals. These objectives and goals can include things like:
- Challenges
- Winning conditions
- Missions
- Specific tasks
In terms of slot games, the win condition is simple; spin the reel and hope a winning combination is formed. When Elden Ring first launched, many players were easily bored by the game because they didn’t know what to do; now, there are guides that players can Google. Many games expand upon objectives and goals by providing milestones and a sense of progression, either with their leveling system or by unlocking new areas to explore once objectives are met.
Engaging Mechanics
Establishing a fun gameplay loop relies heavily on the core game mechanics. As such, the next element that every game needs is engaging mechanics that keep players playing. The core gameplay mechanics are the foundation of the gameplay experience. Core gameplay mechanics include things like:
- Running
- Jumping
- Shooting
- Crafting
- Resource management
- Puzzle-solving
Naturally, the gameplay mechanics would be determined by the genre of the game. Survival games would have a larger emphasis on resource management and crafting than, say, a straight-up action game. In addition to the mechanics, the game also requires intuitive and responsive controls in order to ensure an immersive and smooth gaming experience that complements the mechanics.
Balanced Challenge
Of all the elements that a game requires, a balanced sense of challenge is perhaps one of the most important. This is because there is a fine line between the challenge being too easy, which makes the game boring, and being too difficult, which can frustrate players and also make the game boring.
Slot games, for example, have a great balance of difficulty. The player doesn’t just win or lose but wins smaller amounts of money in between larger amounts, with losses that make them hope for wins. Most games will utilize a mechanic that gradually increases the difficulty as the game progresses.
Immersive Audio and Visuals
Finally, the last element that every game needs is immersive audio and visuals. It’s very rare to find a game that utilizes only core gameplay mechanics to entertain players. For example, even games like League of Legends, which is entirely skill-based, have improved their graphics, animations, and audio over the years to keep players engaged.
Visuals play an important role in setting the atmosphere of the game as well as creating immersion and giving the player information. Audio does the same thing, as well as evokes emotion, adds depth, and also feedback. Think of the sounds games make when an action has been completed or when a character has been hit.
