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In this presentation, I describe my five principles on designing arcade games and give a few examples of modern arcade style games. This presentation was given as part of the Expa Game Lab 2014.
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Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
My five tips on what makes a good arcade game
DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR ARCADE GAMES
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
WHAT IS AN ARCADE GAME?
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
ARCADE GAMES● Action games in the style of coin-
op arcade games● Frantic, addictive gameplay● Focus on the player's reflexes
○ Hand-to-Eye coordination● Little to none complex thinking or
strategy requiredhttp://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=2065
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
1. EASY TO START PLAYINGand easy to learn without help
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
SIMPLE MECHANICS● Focus on a single core gameplay element
○ “Collect everything to clear a level”○ “Reach the goal without getting hit”○ “Eliminate all the targets”
● Simple controls make it easy to start playing○ Directional control (+ 1-2 buttons)○ Single touch or swiping
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
2. HARD TO MASTERbut with time, you’ll get there
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
GROWING SKILL● Right amount of challenge
○ Low learning curve for the basic gameplay● Focus on mastering the basics rather than learning
constantly something new○ High reward for deeper understanding of the
game and the mechanics
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
3. ONCE YOU PICK IT UPit’s hard to let go
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
ADDICTIVE GAMEPLAY● Every session should be worth the time
○ High replayability from the very beginning● Repetitive gameplay doesn’t mean boring gameplay
○ Highly variable levels and challenges● Skilled players should be able to anticipate the results
○ Thin line between random and unpredictable
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
4. CHALLENGE YOURSELFand challenge others while you’re at it
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
COMPETITIVE ATMOSPHERE● More about getting better at the game, rather than
about an interesting story● Compare your progress and aim to the top
○ High Scores and Leaderboards● Speed Runs and World Records
○ YouTube-videos showcasing high skill level
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
5. SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENTand the feeling of besting oneself
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
REWARDING EXPERIENCE● Mastering your skills is a reward in itself
○ Higher scores, staying alive longer etc● The feeling of getting better at the game● Achieving things that beginners hardly achieve
○ “Perfect” play○ Self-imposed challenges
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
MODERN DAY EXAMPLES
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
SIXTY SECONDSHOOTER PRIME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEfNsUw7nCI
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
PEGGLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AImmEv_N4SI
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
FRUIT NINJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4uQt-l75bc
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
FLAPPY BIRD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIJdLpAO7j8
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
CONCLUSION1. Simple mechanics2. Growing skill3. Addictive gameplay4. Competitive atmosphere5. Rewarding experience
Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014
Zaibatsu.fiZaibatsuIncZaibatsuInc
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