Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Study toolbars for various games that have different gameplay styles, to see
the most prominent elements. Odds are, the more action-packed the game, the
more prominent tools or weapons. In slower adventure or hidden object games
(HOGs), the collected inventory can become more important and prominent.
scores
Some gamers just like to open a game and wander about, poking at this or that
and having fun with the graphics, animation, and so on. It's safe to say, though,
that the majority of gamers are more competitive, and that means providing a
system to show scores. Most scores appear on the toolbar or in their own area
on or next to the gameboard.
Scores can use any type of denomination that fits your game. They don't have
to be sequential numbers. For example, sports games such as tennis and football
use sports scoring, which may award more points for a more challenging play.
In football, a touchdown is worth more points than a field goal, and so on.
Other scoring methods can be how much gold or how many gems or other
objects the player gathers during play. Scores can also include the number
of extra lives acquired, quests completed, levels bested, and so on. Basically,
any type of measurement can be used to tally a score. Don't be afraid to be
creative or unique when it comes to how your gamer can tally scores (maybe
they collect golden apples, beating hearts, or live squirrels), but do be clear and
understandable.
Many games allow
players to post their
scores online. this
lets players not only
to try to beat the
game, but also try to
outdo other players.
exit
pop-ups usually con-
tain information that
is important only at
certain times. Using
real estate on the
toolbar or playing
field for this infor-
mation is a waste of
space.
Exit features, as part of navigation, might seem to be a no-brainer; however, you
need to make good decisions about their design. If you place the exit feature in
an awkward area or use a poor design, you may cause some players to click the
button accidentally and exit before they want to. This leads to player frustration
and, quite likely, the player tossing your game.
pop-ups
You may want to include pop-ups from time to time. These can be little mes-
sages that pop onto the screen with help, advice, timers, clues, rewards—all
types of additional messages that haven't been directly covered in the categories
so far.
