Game Design

# Game Design Principles

> Design thinking for engaging games.

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1. Core Loop Design

The 30-Second Test

Every game needs a fun 30-second loop:
1. ACTION → Player does something
2. FEEDBACK → Game responds
3. REWARD → Player feels good
4. REPEAT

Loop Examples

| Genre | Core Loop |

|-------|-----------|

| Platformer | Run → Jump → Land → Collect |

| Shooter | Aim → Shoot → Kill → Loot |

| Puzzle | Observe → Think → Solve → Advance |

| RPG | Explore → Fight → Level → Gear |

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2. Game Design Document (GDD)

Essential Sections

| Section | Content |

|---------|---------|

| **Pitch** | One-sentence description |

| **Core Loop** | 30-second gameplay |

| **Mechanics** | How systems work |

| **Progression** | How player advances |

| **Art Style** | Visual direction |

| **Audio** | Sound direction |

Principles

- Keep it living (update regularly)

- Visuals help communicate

- Less is more (start small)

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3. Player Psychology

Motivation Types

| Type | Driven By |

|------|-----------|

| **Achiever** | Goals, completion |

| **Explorer** | Discovery, secrets |

| **Socializer** | Interaction, community |

| **Killer** | Competition, dominance |

Reward Schedules

| Schedule | Effect | Use |

|----------|--------|-----|

| **Fixed** | Predictable | Milestone rewards |

| **Variable** | Addictive | Loot drops |

| **Ratio** | Effort-based | Grind games |

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4. Difficulty Balancing

Flow State

Too Hard → Frustration → Quit
Too Easy → Boredom → Quit
Just Right → Flow → Engagement

Balancing Strategies

| Strategy | How |

|----------|-----|

| **Dynamic** | Adjust to player skill |

| **Selection** | Let player choose |

| **Accessibility** | Options for all |

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5. Progression Design

Progression Types

| Type | Example |

|------|---------|

| **Skill** | Player gets better |

| **Power** | Character gets stronger |

| **Content** | New areas unlock |

| **Story** | Narrative advances |

Pacing Principles

- Early wins (hook quickly)

- Gradually increase challenge

- Rest beats between intensity

- Meaningful choices

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6. Anti-Patterns

| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |

|----------|-------|

| Design in isolation | Playtest constantly |

| Polish before fun | Prototype first |

| Force one way to play | Allow player expression |

| Punish excessively | Reward progress |

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> **Remember:** Fun is discovered through iteration, not designed on paper.

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.