Game development is a wild and unpredictable But within the chaos, there are key lessons, patterns, and facts. Understanding these as 19 laws of Game Development that no one follows, can make your journey lot smoother and more manageable.
The Most Important Principles/Laws of Game development
We’ve gathered a lot of knowledge about game development and boiled it down to 19 most important laws. These principles will guide you through the challenges of this rewarding field, whether you’re a new indie developer or a seasoned pro. Give these a Read – it might change how you approach game creation.
#1
Game Mechanics Drive Player Experience
– Plot, graphics, and setting don’t determine a game’s experience—mechanics do. The way a game feels comes from the mechanics that shape its interactions.
The overall feeling a game gives you doesn’t come just from its story, graphics, or setting—it’s mainly shaped by how the game plays. Game mechanics (like how you move, interact, or tackle challenges) are what truly define a player’s experience.
For example, Far Cry 2 and Far Cry 4 may look similar—they both take place in war-torn lands with similar themes. But their gameplay mechanics create totally different experiences. In Far Cry 2, you feel the struggle and danger because of features like weapon jams and limited resources. In Far Cry 4, with more tools and firepower at your disposal, it feels more like an action-packed adventure. This shows that if you want to understand why a game makes you feel a certain way, look closely at its mechanics.
#2
No One-Size-Fits-All Game Mechanic
– Game mechanics are neither inherently good nor bad; their success depends on the experience you want to create.
Not every game mechanic works in every game, and there’s no “correct” or “wrong” choice. Some mechanics work brilliantly in one game and feel out of place in another. It all depends on the experience you want to create for players.
For instance, leaderboards and high scores may be great in competitive arcade games but might feel outdated or out of place in a story-driven game. The key takeaway? Don’t feel pressured to use a trendy game mechanic just because it’s popular. Instead, ask yourself if it adds to the experience you want to create. If it does, go for it. If not, don’t force it.
#3
Design for Your Target Audience
– Identify who your game is for and adjust the complexity accordingly.
When you create a game, it’s important to know who your ideal players are and design with them in mind. Games don’t need to be loved by everyone; they just need to satisfy the specific audience they’re meant for.
For example, Spider-Man on PS4 offered a simplified web-swinging mechanic that allowed players to swing through New York City by holding down a button. While some hardcore players found this too easy, it was perfect for the game’s main audience, who might be more casual players or Spider-Man fans new to gaming. The game was designed to make everyone feel like Spider-Man without needing complex controls. The lesson: Decide who your game is for and tailor the mechanics to match their preferences.
#4
Incorporate Optional Challenges for Broader Appeal
– For games with wide audiences, include optional, more difficult content for experienced players.
If you want to appeal to both beginners and more experienced players, consider adding optional challenges. This way, new players can complete the main story without frustration, while advanced players can take on harder tasks if they want a challenge.
Take Super Mario games as an example. They’re designed so that anyone can reach the final boss, but there are hidden, tougher levels and collectibles for veteran players who want more of a challenge. This approach gives players the freedom to engage at their own level, making the game enjoyable for a wider audience.
#5
Smart Accessibility Options Can Enhance Your Game
– Options like difficulty settings don’t dilute a game’s experience if done thoughtfully; they can make the game accessible while preserving its essence.
Adding adjustable difficulty or accessibility options doesn’t have to weaken your game’s core experience. If done thoughtfully, it can make the game accessible to more people while still preserving its intended challenges and thrills.
For instance, Celeste is a challenging platformer, but it includes an assist mode with options to make the game easier if needed. The developers clearly explain that while the game is meant to be difficult, they want players with different needs (like those with disabilities or who prefer the story) to enjoy it, too. Adding these options helped more people experience the game while respecting its original design.
#6
Tools Are for Purpose, Not Burden
– Relying on strict genre conventions can lead to predictable designs. Embrace flexibility, allowing for genre blending and unique combinations.
Strictly sticking to one genre can restrict creativity and lead to repetitive games. While players might enjoy genre labels to discuss and compare games, designers should think of genres as flexible guides, not as fixed rules.
In the past, many developers made games modeled closely after Dark Souls, copying its mechanics almost exactly. This approach led to a flood of games that felt unoriginal. Instead, think of genres in broad terms so you can add or adjust features as needed. This way, you’re more likely to make something fresh and innovative rather than predictable and repetitive.
#7
Focus on Fun, Not Just Realism, in AI Design
– Good AI doesn’t need to be hyper-realistic; it should create engaging and enjoyable interactions.
The goal of AI in games isn’t to make it as realistic or “smart” as possible; it’s to create an enjoyable experience for the player. Often, complex or “intelligent” AI can lead to frustrating gameplay, so the best approach is to make AI work in a way that’s interesting, not necessarily lifelike.
A good example is The Sims, where the AI is relatively simple but works well because it creates fun, sometimes chaotic situations. AI doesn’t need to pass as human—it just needs to engage players in a way that fits the game’s goals.
#8
Prototype Ideas Early and Often
– A game idea remains theoretical until it’s tested in a real prototype. Concepts might seem perfect in your head but reveal flaws once built.
No matter how great a game idea sounds in your head, you won’t know if it works until you test it with a prototype. Your mind can only simulate so much, and the actual game may feel quite different from what you expected.
A prototype lets you see which ideas are actually fun and reveals flaws you might not have noticed. Sometimes, surprising or accidental discoveries during prototyping can make the game even better. The point is to get ideas out of your head and into a playable form as quickly as possible, so you can build on what works and fix what doesn’t.
#9
Playtesting Is Essential at Every Stage
– Players bring new perspectives that help uncover issues you might never notice. Regular playtesting ensures your design resonates as intended.
Players will use and think about your game differently than you, the designer. Playtesting with real players is crucial to reveal hidden issues and understand how others experience your game.
For example, playtesters might get lost, misinterpret controls, or miss important clues that seemed obvious to you. Frequent testing helps you adjust the game so it’s fun and intuitive for a wider audience, catching problems early and making it a better experience for everyone.
#10
Reevaluate Lessons Constantly
– Game development is an evolving field, so remain open to change. A lesson that applied once might not apply now.
Game development, like any creative field, is constantly changing. A lesson that applied to games a few years ago might not apply now, or you might find that your own preferences and insights evolve over time. Keep learning and stay open to new ideas.
Whether it’s trends, technology, or player expectations, game design lessons aren’t set in stone. Always be willing to question past lessons and adapt to what’s currently relevant to your players and your own creative vision.
Final Words
Each of these lessons emphasizes the importance of focusing on the experience you want to create, keeping your audience in mind, and staying flexible as you go. By following these insights, you can create engaging, innovative, and enjoyable games for players everywhere.
If you are interested in more tips, check out our 5 Essential Game Design Tips for Indie Game Developers.
The road of indie game dev is long, but its also very fun!
Also if you are interested in Game Development Check out 19 Laws of Game Development that no one follows!
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