design principles for arcade games

Antti Lax | Zaibatsu Interactive Inc. © 14.10.2014

My five tips on what makes a good arcade game

DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR ARCADE GAMES


WHAT IS AN ARCADE GAME?


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


1. EASY TO START PLAYINGand easy to learn without help


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


2. HARD TO MASTERbut with time, you’ll get there


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


3. ONCE YOU PICK IT UPit’s hard to let go


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


4. CHALLENGE YOURSELFand challenge others while you’re at it


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


5. SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENTand the feeling of besting oneself


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


MODERN DAY EXAMPLES


SIXTY SECONDSHOOTER PRIME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEfNsUw7nCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEfNsUw7nCI


PEGGLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AImmEv_N4SI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AImmEv_N4SI


FRUIT NINJA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4uQt-l75bc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4uQt-l75bc


FLAPPY BIRD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIJdLpAO7j8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIJdLpAO7j8


CONCLUSION1. Simple mechanics2. Growing skill3. Addictive gameplay4. Competitive atmosphere5. Rewarding experience


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design principles for arcade games

Design