Chapter 7: The Elements of
Gameplay
Unique Solutions
Anticipatory versus Complex Systems
Emergence and Exploits
Emergence and Exploits
1. Trade all your resources, to the AI as well as
all your gold per turn in exchange for a giant
lump sum of gold.
2. Declare War on the AI
3. Profit.
Non-Linearity
Types of Non-Linearity
• Storytelling
• Multiple Solutions
• Order
• Selection
Storytelling
Multiple Solutions
Order
Selection
The Purpose of Non-Linearity
• Non-linearity is great for providing players
with a reason to replay the game.
• Players become stuck at one particular
juncture in the game.
• Non-linearity allows players to tackle a series
of required challenges in whatever order they
desire, completing one challenge should make
the others easier for players to accomplish.
A note of caution
Non-linearity is not about having players wander
around the game-world aimlessly. Such a game
would likely be completely annoying as well.
Modeling Reality
Teaching the Player
Safe Environment
Tutorials
Tutorials
Manuals
Controls
Input/Output
• Controls and Input
• Output and Game-World Feedback