What makes a computer game great? | Year 5 Computing PDF Download

The centre of the story

• Playing a computer game can feel like being the star of your own film or the main character in a book.
• As you play the game, you make decisions, solve problems, meet other characters, and explore new worlds.
• Along the way, you might practice new skills, learn useful information, and collaborate as part of a team. Playing computer games is a lot of fun!

What do all great games have in common?

• There are many different types of computer games, from simple puzzles to complex world-building adventures with hundreds of characters.
• You might not think that a simple block-matching puzzle game has much in common with the latest space alien battle game, but all great games share some key elements.

What is gameplay?

• In any type of game, there's always a story or problem for the player to engage with. Understanding the story is crucial to solving the problem. The challenge could be as straightforward as fitting shapes together, but it becomes much harder if the shapes are moving quickly and explode upon reaching the bottom.
• A great game offers gameplay that is sufficiently challenging to remain interesting, yet not so difficult that it becomes frustrating.
• Here are examples of gameplay challenges players might encounter:
  • Matching three jewels of the same color
  • Battling a dragon
  • Collecting space rocks
  • Avoiding being killed by lava
  • Building their own town
  • Safely landing a helicopter
  • Managing a football team
• Players interact with the story and solve these challenges using a keyboard, game controller, or by tapping on a touchscreen. The way players engage with the story is an integral part of the gameplay experience.

The setting and the location

• Computer games are set in various locations, whether it's a maze, a sports pitch, an alien galaxy, or a simple phone screen.
• The setting typically aligns with the story; for instance, a shark is usually found swimming in the ocean, though sometimes the best games innovate by placing the shark on the moon!
• The design of the game setting is crucial, encompassing artwork, visual effects, sound effects, and music. Digital artists, including graphic designers and composers, create exceptional digital art and music that can elevate a good game to greatness.
• You can often recognize a great game when you find yourself humming its tune even when you're not actively playing it!

Heroes and villains

• Great computer games rely on great characters. These characters don't necessarily have to be human or even alive, but they must be memorable and enjoyable to interact with.
• Games can feature a main character that the player controls, or multiple characters that interact within the game world. These characters can range from simple shapes or puzzle pieces to humans or monsters.
• Even a character as simple as a falling block can have personality!
• Character design is a crucial aspect of game development, and computer artists and designers dedicate significant effort to perfecting the appearance and behavior of characters for the game.
• In some cases, computer games enlist actors and voice artists to give characters their voices, even if it's just a small sound like a squeak!

What makes you keep on playing?

• When we talk about a computer game, we often discuss its playability, which measures how enjoyable and engaging it is to play. A highly playable game will keep players coming back for more.
• Game designers use various strategies to enhance playability and maintain player interest throughout the game. These strategies include increasing the game's difficulty over time and introducing new game mechanics.
• Game mechanics encompass elements such as:
  • Points and scoring systems
  • Levels and progression
  • Movement of objects within the game
  • Actions characters can perform
  • Consequences of interactions between objects in the game
• By strategically using these game mechanics, designers can create a dynamic and compelling gameplay experience that captivates players.

Challenge and difficulty

• In games, difficulty levels typically increase as you advance further. Enemies might become tougher to defeat, or the game speed could accelerate.
• As players progress, new mechanics are often introduced to keep the gameplay fresh and challenging. This could involve gaining new powers or skills, such as a super jump ability or the ability to unlock previously inaccessible areas.
• In sequels or updated versions of games, new game mechanics are frequently introduced to prevent the gameplay from becoming repetitive or boring. This ensures that each installment offers new challenges and experiences for players.

Designing your own games

• Once you have acquired some basic coding and programming skills, you can start thinking about designing and creating your own computer game.
• There are numerous apps and programs available that enable you to develop your own characters, settings, and stories, allowing you to build an exciting game with engaging playability.
• To get started, look for free online tutorials with the guidance of a trusted adult. These tutorials can help you learn the necessary skills and techniques to bring your game ideas to life.
• Always keep in mind the elements that contribute to making a good game great, such as compelling gameplay, memorable characters, and innovative mechanics. With dedication and creativity, you can create an enjoyable gaming experience for yourself and others to enjoy.