The world is full of broken systems (education, health, finance) that are filled with anxiety or boredom. Game designers have the tools to fix them.
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Do you want to tell a story, or let the player build one? We compare Narrative (scripted) design with Declarative (emergent) design and show you how to choose the right path for your project.
You aren't designing for everyone; you’re designing for specific types of brains. We break down the 4 Bartle Player Types and show you how to satisfy every one of them in a single system.
Taking feedback loops to the next level. How systems self-regulate to maintain a perfect player experience.
How games talk back to players. We analyze the "Winner Stays Winning" trap and how to use negative feedback to keep games competitive.
Rules aren't restrictions; they are tools. We look at "Inside-the-Box" explicit rules and the "Outside-the-Box" social norms players bring with them.
Goals are the compass of your game. We discuss how to structure short-term vs. long-term objectives to maintain momentum.
Ever lost track of time while playing? That's Flow. We explore the delicate balance between challenge and skill.
Is Minecraft a game or a toy? Understand the four essential elements every game needs: Voluntary Participation, Goals, Rules, and Feedback.
Learn why top game designers focus on systems rather than just "fun." Discover how to harness Cognitive Surplus to turn players into problem solvers.