Introduction to game design, gameplay.

Gameplay is often considered to be the way in which players interact with a level, constructed by a designer but it is much deeper and complex than most have perceived. Gameplay is affected by a number of factors, and has a large influence over the whole gaming experience. It is a manner of storytelling, gameplay controls the pace, mood and tone of a game, through the use of artistic techniques, a variety of phonetic assets and original ideas. Because gameplay is influenced by a series of factors it is not overseen by one particular department or employee, it is a unified effort by the whole design team to create an entertaining experience for the desired consumer. The artistic direction of a level often influences gameplay decisions when considering the game designing process. Specific environments necessary to develop the plot often come with restrictions and challenges for the player, for example a cave setting would provide very restrictive space for movement, the lighting would be dimmed causing changes in player behaviour and a change in music would cause a transition in playing style. The variety of genres present on shop shelves often provides a difference in gameplay as a result of a difference in art direction and story. A dark and menacing story will have an entirely different set of rules in regard to gameplay than that of a light-hearted comedy. This is because of the difference in art styles and the overall themes and underlying tones which they convey. The darker title, may take a very slow paced attitude with a dark colour palette, the perfect example being ‘Dead Space’ in comparison to the light, colourful and vibrant setting of ‘Viva Piñata’ and thus displaying a large digression in playing styles.

Personally I prefer a highly controlled environment, with scripted events and a reasonably linear plotline when playing a videogame. Similar to the style found in films, I enjoy a nicely paced, and well presented title, in comparison to the often convoluted and messy gameplay found in open world titles such as ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and ‘Assassins Creed’