M D A A Formal Approach to Game

M D A A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research

MDA: Why? l Post mortems are 20/20… l …but understanding is fuzzy! l Formal Abstract Design Tools, et al ¡ Make better games ¡ Save time and money ¡ Scaffold for research, study and production 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA: What? l Game Tuning Workshop ¡ GDC 2001 -2004 ¡ Teach via exercises ¡ Experienced Faculty l 7. 25. 04 Blizzard, Ensemble, Mind Control, Ion Storm, Looking Glass, SOE, Valve, Visual Concepts, Wizards of the Coast, etc. AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA: Who? l Audience ¡ Academic l Ludology, Narratology, Game Studies ¡ Development Design, Programing, Art l Marketing, Production and Biz! l ¡ Blends Computer Science l Art/Technology l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA: Biased! l Artifact-centered ¡ Games l Building ¡ Until 7. 25. 04 approach produce behavior, not media is understanding you apply these concepts, it’s hard to really “grok” them. AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

M D A Introduction

Designer-Player Relationship Creates Game Designer 7. 25. 04 Consumes Player AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Designer-Player Relationship Designer 7. 25. 04 Creates Game Book Movie Painting AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Consumes Player Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Designer-Player Relationship l Unpredictable ¡ How will it be consumed? ¡ What happens during consumption? ¡ How can we formalize this? 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Formalizing Games Rules 7. 25. 04 System AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI “Fun” Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Formalizing Games 7. 25. 04 Rules System “Fun” Code Behavior Requirements AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Formalizing Games Code System “Fun” Behavior Requirements Mechanics Rules 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Formalizing Games Code Behavior Mechanics Dynamics Rules System 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI “Fun” Requirements Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Formalizing Games Code Behavior Requirements Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics Rules System “Fun” 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Definitions l Mechanics ¡ Components of a game at the level of data representation and algorithms Mechanics 7. 25. 04 Dynamics AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Aesthetics Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Definitions l Dynamics ¡ Run-time behavior of the mechanics as they operate upon user input, and the outputs of other mechanics, over time. Mechanics 7. 25. 04 Dynamics AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Aesthetics Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Definitions l Aesthetics ¡ Desirable emotional responses evoked in the player, when she interacts with the game. Mechanics 7. 25. 04 Dynamics AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Aesthetics Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

M D A Aesthetics

Aesthetics l Charades is “fun” l Quake is “fun” l The Sims is “fun” l Final Fantasy is “fun” 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l 8 Kinds of Fun: 1. Sensation 5. Fellowship Game as sense-pleasure 2. Fantasy Game as social framework 6. Discovery Game as make-believe 3. Narrative Game as uncharted territory 7. Expression Game as drama Game as self-discovery 4. Challenge 8. Submission Game as obstacle course 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Game as pastime Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l Charades: Fellowship, Expression, Challenge l Quake l The Sims l Final Fantasy 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l Charades: Fellowship, Expression, Challenge l Quake: Challenge, Sensation, Fantasy l The Sims l Final Fantasy 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l Charades: Fellowship, Expression, Challenge l Quake: Challenge, Sensation, Fantasy l The Sims: Discovery, Fantasy, Expression, Narrative l Final 7. 25. 04 Fantasy AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l Charades: Fellowship, Expression, Challenge l Quake: Challenge, Sensation, Fantasy l The Sims: Discovery, Fantasy, Expression, Narrative l Final Fantasy: Fantasy, Narrative, Expression, Discovery, Challenge, Submission 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetics l No “Grand Unified Theory” of fun l Concrete vocabulary helps us: ¡ Break games into constituent elements ¡ Pinpoint features that aid aesthetic goals ¡ Taxonomize games beyond “genre” 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Aesthetic Models l What games do: well or poorly ¡ Charades and Quake: Competition ¡ Requires emotional investment Perceivable winning condition l Achievable winning condition l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Models in Action l Models guide us like a compass ¡ Does this aesthetic work for target players? ¡ Are we missing something? ¡ How can we modify our design? l 7. 25. 04 Quake + fellowship = Counter Strike AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

M D A Dynamics

Dynamics l Dynamics create Aesthetics ¡ Challenge Time pressure l Opponent play l ¡ Fellowship Shared information (teams) l Group-sized goals (capture a base) l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Dynamics l Dynamics create Aesthetics ¡ Expression Building, buying, and designing l Personalizing or customizing l ¡ Dramatic Tension Rising tension, release, denouement l Characters in conflict, alliances and betrayals l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Dynamic Models l Predict and describe interactions l Evaluate them concretely l Avoid pitfalls 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Chance in 36 Model: 2 D 6 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Die Roll 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Model: Feedback System Thermometer Room Too Cold! Too Hot! 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Controller Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Model: Monopoly Move Roll 7. 25. 04 Losers $$$$$$ Pay Up! Winners $$$$$$ Cash In! AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Models in Action l Fix the boring endgame? ¡ Reward players who are behind ¡ Impede players who are ahead ¡ Less “realistic” perhaps, but… Winners feel challenge l Losers have hope l Tension arc is longer & more fulfilling l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

M D A Mechanics

Mechanics l Mechanics support Dynamics ¡ Cards: Trick taking, betting… l …bluffing, shooting the moon l ¡ Shooters: Weapons, ammo, spawn points… l … camping or sniping l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Mechanics of Monopoly l Dice and Board l Own/Collect Land l Specials (Go, jail, railroads, etc) l Draw Cards l Build stuff l Negotiate (optional) 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Mechanics of Monopoly l Increased Dramatic Tension ¡ Smaller board, more rolls, larger dice ¡ Constant rate tax or increased payouts ¡ Randomly distributed properties 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Mechanics of Monopoly l Achievable Winning Conditions ¡ Subsidies for the poor ¡ Taxes for the rich Calculate @ Go l or when exercising a monopoly l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Tuning l Discuss ¡ Do l 7. 25. 04 flaws using MDA changes effect aesthetics? Taxes lead to complex calculations AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Tuning l Use models to guide our thinking ¡ Proposed die/board changes Length of turns? l Length of games? l Odds for acquisitions? l 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

M D A Framework for Player and Designer

MDA as Lens l Typical designer perspective ¡ Mechanics give rise to Dynamics… ¡ which support the overall Aesthetic. Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics Designer 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA as Lens l Typical player perspective ¡ Aesthetics set a tone… ¡ born out by Mechanics and Dynamics. Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics Player 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

A New Perspective l When playing ¡ Recognize how our actions help create and support entertainment experiences Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics Player 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

A New Perspective l When ¡ Use building aesthetic goals to drive our overall design Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics Designer 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put 7. 25. 04 the player on stage AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put the player on stage l Avoid feature-driven design 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put the player on stage l Avoid feature-driven design l Eliminate “clutter” 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put the player on stage l Avoid feature-driven design l Eliminate “clutter” l Streamline development 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put the player on stage l Avoid feature-driven design l Eliminate “clutter” l Streamline development l Support iterative design 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

MDA l Put the player on stage l Avoid feature-driven design l Eliminate “clutter” l Streamline development l Support iterative design l Avoid fixing what isn’t broken 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Thanks! l Rob Zubek l Marc Le. Blanc l Game Tuning Workshop ¡ www. algorithmancy. 8 kindsoffun. org 7. 25. 04 AAAI Workshop: Challenges in Game AI Robin Hunicke Northwestern University

Questions?