Gameplay Motivations - syddyd/Tree-Platformer GitHub Wiki

ℹ This section describes the key motivations that make players start the game and keep them coming back. There are many ways such motivations can be achieved, for example:

• Gameplay Mechanics: A game with mechanics that feel satisfying are a great method of creating motivation by making these mechanics snappy and visceral through the use of efficient and intuitive controls, sound effects, and world interactions. Minecraft is a great example for this as its survival and crafting mechanics are simple but effective and very satisfying to use.
• Narrative and Storytelling: A compelling story can greatly enhance the gaming experience, providing context for the gameplay and motivating players to progress to see how the story unfolds.
• Setting: Player motivation might be driven by the game’s setting. This could be because players have a preference for a specific setting (such as fantasy or sci-fi for example) or the setting caters to specific feelings or instincts, for example a horror setting.
• Game World Immersion: A well-crafted game world with rich lore, detailed environments, and believable NPCs can make players feel like they are part of a living, breathing world.
• Aesthetics and Graphics: High-quality visuals and art style can captivate players, creating a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
• Sound Design and Music: Audio effects and music that fit the game's mood and setting can significantly affect the atmosphere and emotional impact.
• Variety and Creativity in Gameplay: Offering diverse gameplay elements, such as puzzles, combat, and exploration, can keep the experience fresh and exciting.
• Community and Social Features: Features that facilitate player interaction, like leaderboards, guilds, or shared content creation, can enhance the multiplayer aspect.
• Progression and Reward Systems: A well-designed system that rewards players for their achievements and allows them to see tangible progress in their characters or abilities.
• User Interface and Accessibility: A user-friendly interface and options that allow a broad range of players to enjoy the game can greatly improve satisfaction.

Some games, though having a well thought out gameplay loop with robust mechanics often derive their satisfactory gameplay or the majority of their success through other means, for example the game’s setting, the multiplayer aspect, story and narrative, world immersion, etc. Here is an example describing the gameplay motivations in Phasmophobia, a game which bases its successful largely on the setting (horror) and the multi-player gameplay …

• Atmospheric Tension: The game's horror theme creates an atmosphere of suspense and anxiety, with the unknown and unpredictable nature of the ghost encounters keeping players on edge.
• Jump Scares and Adrenaline: Sudden ghost appearances and paranormal events trigger adrenaline rushes and emotional responses that can be thrilling and memorable.
• Problem Solving Under Pressure: The need to gather evidence and identify the ghost type while under the constant threat of a ghost attack demands quick thinking and decision-making, which is both challenging and rewarding.

• Cooperation and Role Assignment: Players often take on specific roles (such as the equipment manager, lead investigator, or communicator), which fosters a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. The shared experiences, especially in stressful and terrifying situations, enhance the bond between players.
• Communication and Strategy: The need for constant communication to share findings, warn of dangers, and plan the investigation strategy keeps players engaged and reinforces the social aspect of the game.
• Shared Tension and Relief: The multiplayer setting intensifies the emotional highs and lows, as players collectively experience fear, success, and sometimes failure. The relief that comes with completing an investigation with friends is particularly satisfying.

1. Preparation: Players strategize, select equipment, and assign roles based on the team's composition and individual strengths.
2. Investigation: The team enters the location, sets up equipment, and begins the hunt, with players relying on each other for support and information.
3. Ghost Encounters: The team experiences ghostly activities that vary in intensity, from mild disturbances to outright attacks, requiring collective problem-solving and strategy adjustment.
4. Evidence and Identification: Players communicate their findings and work together to identify the ghost, combining their individual experiences into a collective effort.
5. Objective Completion and Escape: The team strives to complete objectives, and once achieved, they make a collective decision to escape.
6. Post-Mission Review and Social Interaction: After the mission, players discuss the investigation, share their experiences, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment or commiserate over the loss together.
7. Progression and Replay: The team discusses strategies for improvement, purchases better equipment, and prepares to tackle a new, more challenging location, reinforcing the desire to play again.

sequenceDiagram
    participant T as Team
    participant S as Strategy Planning
    participant I as Investigation
    participant E as Ghost Encounters
    participant D as Evidence and Deduction
    participant O as Objective Completion
    participant Esc as Escape and Review
    participant P as Post-Mission Social Interaction
    participant R as Progression and Replay

    loop Enhanced Gameplay Loop
        T->>S: Assign roles and gather equipment
        S->>I: Begin investigation
        I->>E: Experience ghost activities
        E->>D: Collect evidence and deduce ghost type
        D->>O: Work towards completing objectives
        O->>Esc: Decide to escape
        Esc->>P: Review and share experiences
        P->>R: Upgrade for future missions
        R->>S: Plan next strategy
    end