aa71e76eb9
- Add date_added to all 950+ skills for complete tracking - Update version to 6.5.0 in package.json and README - Regenerate all indexes and catalog - Sync all generated files Features from merged PR #150: - Stars/Upvotes system for community-driven discovery - Auto-update mechanism via START_APP.bat - Interactive Prompt Builder - Date tracking badges - Smart auto-categorization All skills validated and indexed. Made-with: Cursor
135 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
135 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
---
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name: game-design
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description: "Game design principles. GDD structure, balancing, player psychology, progression."
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risk: unknown
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source: community
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date_added: "2026-02-27"
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---
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# Game Design Principles
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> Design thinking for engaging games.
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---
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## 1. Core Loop Design
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### The 30-Second Test
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```
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Every game needs a fun 30-second loop:
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1. ACTION → Player does something
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2. FEEDBACK → Game responds
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3. REWARD → Player feels good
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4. REPEAT
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```
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### Loop Examples
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| Genre | Core Loop |
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|-------|-----------|
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| Platformer | Run → Jump → Land → Collect |
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| Shooter | Aim → Shoot → Kill → Loot |
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| Puzzle | Observe → Think → Solve → Advance |
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| RPG | Explore → Fight → Level → Gear |
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---
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## 2. Game Design Document (GDD)
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### Essential Sections
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| Section | Content |
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|---------|---------|
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| **Pitch** | One-sentence description |
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| **Core Loop** | 30-second gameplay |
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| **Mechanics** | How systems work |
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| **Progression** | How player advances |
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| **Art Style** | Visual direction |
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| **Audio** | Sound direction |
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### Principles
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- Keep it living (update regularly)
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- Visuals help communicate
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- Less is more (start small)
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---
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## 3. Player Psychology
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### Motivation Types
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| Type | Driven By |
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|------|-----------|
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| **Achiever** | Goals, completion |
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| **Explorer** | Discovery, secrets |
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| **Socializer** | Interaction, community |
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| **Killer** | Competition, dominance |
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### Reward Schedules
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| Schedule | Effect | Use |
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|----------|--------|-----|
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| **Fixed** | Predictable | Milestone rewards |
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| **Variable** | Addictive | Loot drops |
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| **Ratio** | Effort-based | Grind games |
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---
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## 4. Difficulty Balancing
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### Flow State
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```
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Too Hard → Frustration → Quit
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Too Easy → Boredom → Quit
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Just Right → Flow → Engagement
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```
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### Balancing Strategies
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| Strategy | How |
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|----------|-----|
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| **Dynamic** | Adjust to player skill |
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| **Selection** | Let player choose |
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| **Accessibility** | Options for all |
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---
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## 5. Progression Design
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### Progression Types
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| Type | Example |
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|------|---------|
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| **Skill** | Player gets better |
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| **Power** | Character gets stronger |
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| **Content** | New areas unlock |
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| **Story** | Narrative advances |
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### Pacing Principles
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- Early wins (hook quickly)
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- Gradually increase challenge
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- Rest beats between intensity
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- Meaningful choices
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---
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## 6. Anti-Patterns
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| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
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|----------|-------|
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| Design in isolation | Playtest constantly |
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| Polish before fun | Prototype first |
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| Force one way to play | Allow player expression |
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| Punish excessively | Reward progress |
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---
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> **Remember:** Fun is discovered through iteration, not designed on paper.
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## When to Use
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This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.
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