25/05/2024 – Sunday

Today’s Progress:

No development work was conducted on the game today.

Thoughts:

Even though no direct technical work on the game was done today, I read a book called Theory of Fun for Game Design: Edition 2 by Raph Koster.

Here is what I’ve got from this book :

Understanding Fun:

Koster examines what makes games fun, suggesting that fun arises from learning, comprehension, and mastery. He proposes that we are evolutionarily programmed to enjoy learning because it has historically improved our chances of survival.

Learning Patterns:

The book discusses how games teach us through patterns. These patterns can range from calculating odds and predicting events to understanding social power and status. Games become boring when there’s nothing new to learn or when they’re too easy or too difficult.

Designing for Engagement:

Koster emphasizes the importance of creating games that are engaging, entertaining, and addictive. He presents ideas on how to improve game designs to incorporate a high degree of fun.

Cultural Influence:

The book also touches on how games serve as powerful learning tools and the influence they have on culture. It encourages designers to think beyond traditional game mechanics and consider the ethical implications of entertainment.

Plans for Next Session:

Continue to my GameDevTV’s course