Post date: Aug 2, 2014 5:58:01 AM
Today was an extremely frustrating game play day. How am I learning from the games? In Portal I am learning that I need more tools. I spent a great deal of time today in a room that I could not get out of. I learned that perhaps it is better to go back and see what I learned previously so that I can repeat previously learned tasks and use them in the future. I am also learning to search the internet to find other hints to help me. There is a feature in game that allows you to listen to the designer's commentary about why they designed the game the way they did. I think that could be handy for Design Class... Too bad they didn't give me any hints as to how to get out of the room I was in. However, after leaving that room in frustration and not saving it, I have not been given that room again. I wonder why?
As for the Potty Game, Hay Day. This game is more relaxing but I have also run into obstacles. They are not too hard to handle however. I have added more things to the farm, I have been selling my goods to allow for more storage in the barn. Also, I am learning that if I am patient enough, the things I need will magically appear after a while. I have noticed that this game is generating revenue in a few places. This game generates revenue when I watch trailers for other video games. It gives me random prizes when I watch the trailers. Also, they tempt me with features for free for a while and then, they begin to charge me for their use. Sounds like many a scheme in the real world, like cable channels; watch HBO for free this month...next month you must pay for the subscription.
Thinking about design for these games I have become very interested in what the designers must be thinking while they created each level/test. They want people to learn how to play but they also want to make the game challenging and keep you coming back to play more.
Also, while I am reading Gamify, I am really wondering how this frustration level plays into gamification. I would never want my clients to reach the levels of frustration I have been reaching in Portal (there is a reason why before this assignment I did not play many video games - I am very competitive and want to win - I am struggling.)