1.
Lessons from Game Design
Jesse Schell
@jesseschell
Midwest UX 2015

2.
What is a game designer’s goal?

3.
Experience
Mechanics
A game consists of…

4.
Introspection
• Pros?
• I am the user! I can see into
my MIND!
• My motivation solves a
problem!
• SPEED!
• Cons?
• Bias!
• Paralysis by analysis

5.
Experiencing Mind Analyzing Mind

6.
Analyze Memories Two Passes
Sneak Glances Observe Silently

7.
Work in the invisible world
at least as hard as you do in
the visible.
-Rumi

8.
Choco-fication!

9.
Rewards can Backfire

10.
Self-Determination Theory
Competence Autonomy Relatedness
I want to be
good at what
I do!
I want
freedom!
I want to
connect to
others!

11.
“Hafta” “Wanna”
Slavery Freedom
Duty Fun
Work Play
Efficiency Pleasure

12.
Games are special because…
• They are interactive
• They are designed ENTIRELY for
pleasure

13.
Games provide:
•Clear Feedback
•A Sense of Progress
•The Possibility of Success
•Mental and Physical Exercise
•A Chance to Satisfy Your Curiosity
•A Chance to Solve a Problem
•A Feeling of Freedom

14.
Sensation
Fantasy
Discovery
Laughter
Story
Challenge
Thrill
Triumph
Expression

15.
-or-

16.
Low Interest
Medium Interest
High Interest

17.
A Good Interest Curve
Interest
Time

18.
A Bad Interest Curve
Interest
Time

19.
Does this work for long and short
experiences?

20.
Interest Curves are Fractal

21.
Three Factors of Interest
1 : Inherent interest of events
2 : Poetry of presentation
3 : Psychological proximity

22.
Psychological Proximity
You
Them
Me

23.
Three Factors of Interest
1 : Inherent interest of events
2 : Poetry of presentation
3 : Psychological proximity
Interest
Time

24.
Chainsaw Juggling
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

25.
Violin Concerto
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

26.
Tetris
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

27.
A Great Experience
Interest
Level
Inherent
Interest
Poetry
Psych.
Proximity
Me
You
Them

28.
The Art of Interactive
Entertainment
is
The Art of Indirect Control

29.
1) Indirect Control through Constraints

30.
2) Indirect Control through Goals
Go get some bananas!

31.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

32.
3) Indirect Control through Interface

33.
4) Indirect Control through Visual Design
We are led to believe a lie
when we see with, not through, the eye.
- William Blake

34.
Aladdin Mark II

35.
Aladdin Mark II

36.
Aladdin Mark III (multiplayer)

37.
5) Indirect Control Through Characters

38.
6) Indirect Control through Music

39.
Six Methods of Indirect Control
1) Constraints
2) Goals
3) Interface
4) Visual Design
5) Characters
6) Music

40.
When the best leader’s work is done,
the people say “We did it ourselves!”
- Lao Tzu

41.
Is it worth it?

42.
Thanks!
Slides: jesseschell.com
Email: jesse@schellgames.com
Twitter: @jesseschell