By Tadhg Kelly
Game design consultant and creator of What Games Are
Follow on Twitter @tiedtiger
This final installment in our three-part series explores the last two fundamental constants of game design—universal principles that shape player experiences across all platforms and genres. Part 1 covered fascination, imperfection, and urgency, while Part 2 examined naturalism and time.
6. Self: The Player’s True Role in Game Design
Beyond Character Assumption
While games often position players as protagonists—Mario, Lara Croft, or Master Chief—the reality is more nuanced. Players don’t become these characters; rather, they project themselves through these avatars. This distinction is crucial for understanding player psychology.
Key Aspects of Self in Gameplay
- Self-Expression: Players craft digital identities reflecting their ideals. This explains why representation matters—modern players reject outdated stereotypes that don’t resonate with their identities.
- Self-Determination: Players resist passive experiences. They reject forced narratives (cutscenes) or false choices, seeking meaningful agency that validates their role as active participants.
The Designer’s Challenge
Players often subvert intended experiences—laughing at dramatic deaths in Tomb Raider or questioning Gone Home’s game status. However, masterful design can channel this unpredictability:
- Braid transforms its hero into a stalker, creating compelling discomfort
- Papers Please forces ethical dilemmas through bureaucratic gameplay
Design Insight: Successful games create frameworks where players make authentic, empathetic choices—fostering deeper connections than scripted narratives ever could.
7. Purpose: The Engine of Player Engagement
Why Purpose Matters
Players need forward momentum—whether through winning, mastery, or discovery. Without perceived progress, games lose their magic. This explains why:
- Space Invaders (technically unwinnable) maintains purpose through high scores
- Journey (non-competitive) creates purpose through emotional discovery
How Games Lose Purpose
Common pitfalls include:
- Opaque mechanics (see Naturalism in Part 2)
- Imbalanced difficulty (breaking flow states)
- Perceived cheating or repetition
- Over-monetization (Western players particularly sensitive)
- Mastery exhaustion (no new challenges)
Designing for Purpose
Key considerations:
- Pacing: Front-load content or gradual reveal?
- Duration: Short impactful experiences vs. long-term engagement?
- Business Model: Premium one-time vs. freemium retention?
- Difficulty Curve: Accessible or hardcore rewarding?
Pro Tip: The 5% of players who engage long-term often become your most valuable community members.
Conclusion: Principles as Design Tools
While no framework is perfect, these seven constants provide actionable lenses for game development:
- Fascination
- Imperfection
- Urgency
- Naturalism
- Time
- Self
- Purpose
Like musicians understanding rhythm, game designers benefit from recognizing these fundamentals. They help avoid common pitfalls while leaving room for creative innovation—the true art of game design.
For deeper discussion, see the GDC Microtalk on these concepts.
