We start by learning the fundamental ingredients of games, from tic-tac-toe to tennis to Super Mario.

• Anatomy of a game

Then, we jump into the step-by-step process:

• Analyzing your content to reveal the underlying game
• Designing the basic gameplay loop
• Criteria for a successful challenge
  Building a level template
• Range of outcomes

Once the core game loop is built, we continue the step-by-step process:

• Varying challenges
• Setting the win condition
• Handling player failure
• Fostering player autonomy and building mastery
• Intro to difficulty balancing

This week we fill your design toolbox with motivational mechanics, and you will learn when to use them for optimal effect. 

• Intrinsic motivation vs Extrinsic rewards
• Content gating
• Points
• Powerup types
• Collections
• Effective badge systems
• Bonus missions
• Shaping behavior through a motivational system
• Setting up a rewards system

This week is all about making sure the player understands their goals and progress, and feel clever going through your training game.

• Playtesting
• Fixing issues with difficulty
• Communicating with the player
• Signs and feedback
• Effective tutorials
• Theme and player fantasy

Once you’ve been through the process, you will unlock new tools to best match your content:

• Complex game types
• Skillbuilding
• Multiplayer mechanics