An Introduction to Games and Gaming

As stated throughout this curriculum, computer science has and will continue to permeate every area of our lives. Gaming, game design, and game development is another prime example of this daily reminder. Take a look at the statistics in the chart, showing steady growth in the amount of money spent on gaming. Can you see how much the market value has changed and will continue changing in such a short period of time?

Download and read this article, published by Texas A&M University in 2018, about video gaming. In the article, the author states, “It (gaming) is an $18 billion industry. At least one person in more than 60 percent of households is considered a frequent gamer.” Read the rest of the article for additional insights into how gaming affects us both at home and at school or work.

What do you believe has contributed to the popularity of gaming? It may be due to quite a few factors such as the use/purposes of gaming, special effects (visual and sound), and/or the ability to physically interact in a virtual space. These are all valid points. Interestingly, there seem to be limitless games available on any modern device, but all of the successful games that are used worldwide are designed using five core game design principles: goals, mechanics, space, components, and rules. Let’s explore each of these principles.

The Five Core Principles of Game Design

The ultimate goal of all games is to create an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. It’s with this end in mind, the goal, that we begin to plan our game. As the designer/creator of your game, you choose what the goal of the game will be.

Goal: The first game design principle is to create a goal. The goal is the objective of the game. An important demonstration of the goal is establishing how the player wins.
Mechanics: The second principle is to determine game mechanics. Mechanics refers to the actions players can take in a game.
Space: The third principle is the concept of space. Space is where the game takes place.
Components: The fourth principle is the creation of components. Components refer to all of the pieces necessary to play the game (i.e. characters).
Rules: The fifth principle is creating a set of rules. Finally, you get to make all the rules…for your game (lol)! Rules are the instructions all players will follow when playing. When creating the rules, try to keep it simple.

Video Lesson

The following video will provide you with a visual perspective of each of these principles.

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