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What is a key factor that determines a game's complexity?

The graphics quality of the game

The number of players involved in the game

The age of the game being played

The mechanics and their interactions (correct)

What is a potential reason for features being cut from a video game?

The feature was deemed boring by players

Insufficient resources for implementation (correct)

All features are kept regardless of complexity

The feature was less entertaining than anticipated

How do dynamics contribute to a game's complexity?

By limiting player choices to a few options

By increasing the number of graphics assets

By simplifying the basic rules of the game

Through interactions among rules and player actions (correct)

Which statement best describes a complicated rule in a game?

It may lead to increased interactions that heighten game complexity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between complexity and accessibility in gaming?

Adding complexity may enhance accessibility in certain cases Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'easy to learn, difficult to master' suggest about a game's design?

The basic mechanics are simple but deeper strategies are complex Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sequels, how are undesirable features generally addressed?

They are removed or modified Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of computers in game mechanics and rules?

They enable faster number-crunching and action resolution Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a game requires a steeper learning curve?

The game has more complex mechanics Signup and view all the answers

In the context of gameplay, what does an increased range of player actions indicate?

A wider variety of possible gameplay situations Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about game complexity is addressed in the discussion?

Even complex games can maintain a strong audience Signup and view all the answers

What role do permutations and combinations play in gaming?

They contribute to the complexity of possible game scenarios Signup and view all the answers

Seeing the example of games like Genshin Impact, what can be inferred about different game designs?

Different games serve varied player preferences and complexities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect primarily differentiates complex games from simpler ones?

The depth of strategy and rule interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following games exemplifies complexity in its mechanics?

Minecraft Signup and view all the answers

How can old computers still contribute effectively to gaming?

By performing millions of operations per second, despite age Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of added complexity that can be beneficial in games?

Changing a static boost to a dynamic rating system Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is primarily associated with role-playing games?

They allow for extensive player creativity and complex rules Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is often compared in discussions of game designs such as SimCity and Cities: Skylines?

Complexity of features Signup and view all the answers

In games, what does 'the MDA framework' refer to?

A framework for analyzing game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics Signup and view all the answers

How is the average damage per attack calculated when considering critical hits?

AvgDmgPerAtk = AvgBaseDmg * (1 - chance to hit) + AvgBaseDmg * 2 * (chance for critical hit) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does personal haste have on the swing timer?

It affects the swing timer multiplicatively, reducing it by the combined haste percentages. Signup and view all the answers

When calculating DPS, how is the swing timer adjusted with a 10% personal haste?

SWT = Old swing timer / (1 + 0.1) Signup and view all the answers

In terms of average damage calculations, what does a 90% chance to hit imply for the remaining hit chances?

There is a 81% chance to hit and a 9% chance to critically hit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate DPS calculated with a base damage of 650-950, a 95% hit chance, and a 20% personal haste?

704.11 DPS Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of theorycrafting in MMORPGs?

Maximizing damage-per-second (DPS) Signup and view all the answers

How is damage-per-second (DPS) calculated?

Damage per attack multiplied by attack speed Signup and view all the answers

What does complexity in gaming primarily refer to?

The way parts relate within a game system Signup and view all the answers

Why is complexity considered a prerequisite for meaningful play?

It creates opportunities for decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario where a weapon deals 250 damage every 3.2 seconds, what is the DPS?

78.125 DPS Signup and view all the answers

What impact does weapon damage variance have on DPS calculations?

It necessitates the consideration of average values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a weapon that does 80-120 damage every second in terms of average DPS?

100 DPS Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT related to theorycrafting?

Developing character backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Complexity in Games

Complexity is a central argument in game design.
Complexity is sometimes erroneously blamed for player frustration with accessibility.
Meaningful, complex gameplay involves both player agency and clear outcomes.

Lecture Time

Complexity is often used as a scapegoat for accessibility issues.
Meaningful play is potentially related to complexity.
Game design theory principles are being overviewed.

A maze-navigation game demo was shown (likely in person or via a demonstration).
There is a discussion about why puzzle games become boring rapidly.

Review: MDA Framework

Complexity is present within games, even already completed and playable games.
This specific consideration of complexity is within the context of a game that is already functional.
The framework involves relating game elements to that complexity.

Features

Ideal game design includes matching design documents and final product implementations.
Feature updates should add content without new bugs or problems.

Features (Real World Considerations)

Resources limit features, meaning not all initially planned features will be included for practical rather than artistic reasons.
Features not integral to the core gameplay may be cut due to development or time constraints.
Complex features require increased player knowledge to understand and interact with them successfully

Then Why's It In The GDD?

Game design discussions regarding variations within popular game series are explored.
This likely looks at how similar games in a series can use the same basis but still differ greatly.

Fear of Sequels

Sequels typically aim to improve on existing games.
Updates might involve addressing problems (ex. bugs or poor design) or adding new aspects.
Expansions usually add new content to existing games.

Players Are Not That Stupid

Complex games can still have large audiences.
Popular games such as The Sims, The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Final Fantasy, and The Legend of Zelda are examples.

Players Are Not That Stupid (Accessibility Concerns)

Complexity is not the single cause of a game's inaccessibility to players.
Adding complexity to a game might be necessary for a truly engaging experience.
Often small adjustments increase complexity but retain player interest (ex. percentages to ratings).

OK, Sometimes They Are

Discussion on the existence of poorly designed or confusing user interface designs or features.
The notes include links to external sources (likely articles or forums).

Games are NOT New!

Games existed outside of video games.
Pen and paper and board games demonstrated engaging rules systems and components.
Examples provided include RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons and strategy games like Advanced Squad Leader.

Games are NOT New! (Electronic Games and Systems)

Electronic versions of rule-based games often benefited from computer handling of complex calculations.
This was an advantage when compared to earlier examples.

Wait, Back Up a Bit

Discusses the history of game design.
Reminds the listener of the prevalence of gameplay complexity outside of video games.

Complex Games

The subject of complications within rules and the game design process is discussed.
There was discussion on measuring the complexity of game rules.
There is discussion as to whether a single complicated game rule makes the game complex.

No Man Rule is an Island

Complex interplay between game elements isn't necessarily dictated by mechanics alone.
Mechanics, rules and player actions individually do not determine game complexity, but they are connected.

No Man Rule is an Island (Interactions and Dynamics)

Dynamics refer to interactions between mechanics and systems within the game, not just isolated game rules.
This interaction leads to complexity.

Meaningful Play VS Complexity

Meaningful interplay happens between decisions and outcomes and also in the design of the game.
Increased variety of scenarios is one way that meaningful play can be created.
What exactly constitutes "easy to learn, difficult to master" is an important concept for designers to consider.

Meaningful Play VS Complexity (Example of Relationship)

Fireball examples are given to illustrate how a clearly consequential element of a game might contribute to the concept of "meaningful play."
Specific circumstances are explored to show how mechanics lead to player decisions.

Meaningful Play VS Complexity (Complexity and Decision-Making)

Complexity is the result of the way different parts of the game system relate.
A player can make decisions within the game system.
No complexity may mean that there are no meaningful decisions to make.

And It's Worth Repeating Over and Over

Complexity in games is essential for generating meaningful play experiences.

Complexity Fuels Meaning

Complex games lead to more fulfilling play, often with decisions and consequences.
An absence of complexity frequently limits actual decision-making options available to the player.

Case Study: DPS

Different players seek to mathematically understand game mechanics.
This group is often referred to as 'theorycrafters'.
Theorycrafters use math and data to understand how game systems work

Case Study: DPS (Damage Per Second)

Damage per second (DPS) is a primary factor in many multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).
Players often use theorycrafting techniques to figure out their DPS value optimization in games to get a competitive advantage in gameplay.

Simple Start

Simple examples of DPS are explored - understanding numerical values like damage per second.

Simple Start (Varying Damage)

Examples show how damage per second is calculated.
Weapon damage values are shown to demonstrate how varied attack rates and damage yields influence this calculation.

Introduction of Chance

Formulas must now take variance (chance) into account.
Average damage is often the most important concept.

Introduction of Chance (Example)

The relationship between average damage, time, and DPS is explored with simple examples.
Damage fluctuations are considered.

More Chance

Calculating DPS with hit/critical/dodge statistics.

More Chance (DPS Calculation)

Average damage is calculated as a way to get an efficient calculation of DPS rather than focusing on statistical extremes.

Even More Chance

DPS calculation variations and examples are further explored.
Calculations of overall damage output with chance considered (miss or critical hits) is addressed.

Even More Chance (Examples)

Further examples provide calculations including critical strikes and the effects of additional time constraints.
A detailed calculation process for these calculations is outlined in the notes.

Uh... (Haste Analysis)

Weapon speed is affected by the haste mechanic.
This is explored, using the standard formula for determining how haste influences these statistics.

Uh... (Haste Example)

Haste is a multiplicative factor, which is shown with an illustration featuring both personal haste and an Aura impact.

But I Hate Division (New Calculation Method)

Calculating time to attack and total attack/second values.
Focuses on conversion procedures for determining rate of attacks rather than time between attacks.)

NO I'VE HAD ENOUGH

A comprehensive real-world example for players is presented.
Examples demonstrate how to calculate the relevant values with variable factors in mind.

SOMEONE SAVE ME

A reminder that game designers often use complex calculation techniques, which players occasionally attempt to replicate for game optimization.
Specific game features (including attacks) are addressed in the notes.

HUHUHU (Healing Calculations)

Calculating healing, and how to break down the numbers to determine healing-per-second and healing-per-mana values.

HUHUHU (Effective Health Pool Calculation)

Calculating effective health points is explored with examples.

MAMI (Boss Tuning)

Calculations for boss health, player damage amounts and time are incorporated into tuning considerations for game design.

No Rule is an Island

Game planning involves initial game mechanics, dynamic effects to connect these, and aesthetic principles to create the overall feel of the game.
Game design deliverables are discussed.

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