The Lure of Player Engagement


In designing a new game, the objectives the designer settles on are the key driving forces of the game.  Without clear, obtainable objectives, there is minimal reason for a player to continue playing. Clear objectives will both define and reveal realistic player experiences goals for the game.  Once objectives have been defined, it can be tempting for game designers to quickly put on their "designing" hat to create and identify new game procedures, rules, resources, conflict, boundaries, etc.  In short, the structure of the game.  But during and within this design phase, it is essential to keep the engagement of the player center focused.



In the Game Design Workshop by Tracey Fullterton (2019), she mentions the aspect of uncertainty in the playcentric process, and its importance as a key motivator for player engagement.  "If players can anticipate the outcome of a game, they will stop playing," she notes.   There needs to be something that draws the player in, and engages them emotionally, as well as intellectually.  Finding and maintaining the right level of tension through challenges in the game is essential for player engagement.  If the challenge is too difficult, the player will get frustrated.  If the challenge too easy, the player loses interest.  The characters, storyline and dramatic elements are key components in maintaining player interest.  Lastly, consider in the game play the opportunities for frequent achievements by the player.  In this way, player engagement is maintained by the frequency of achievements, rather than the size of the achievement.  This is significant to accommodate players of all experience levels, and help ensure equal opportunities for maximum enjoyment by all.

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