Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
LEADERBOARDS
Why do games contain leaderboards and high-score lists? Early games didn't have them because there was no
semi-permanent storage available in the game consoles. So, nothing could be remembered between playing sessions.
That was also the reason there was no Save Game option, which in turn had an important effect on game mechanics:
a player always had to start again from the beginning, even if they were experienced.
Once storage became available, designers started to introduce leaderboards. Being better than somebody else always
gives a feeling of satisfaction, and it adds an important goal for the player. But this only makes sense if multiple
people are playing the game on the same device. If you're the sole player, the only thing you can do is try to beat
yourself. Fortunately, nowadays computers and game consoles are connected to the Internet. As a result, you can store
leaderboards online and compete with the whole world.
But this adds an additional problem: a goal is only interesting when it's reachable. Being the best player among a couple
of millions is unreachable for most people. So, worldwide leaderboards can actually reduce player satisfaction. To remedy
this, games often introduce sub-leaderboards. For example, you see a leaderboard that is restricted to your own country
or to scores reached this week. You can also see how you rank among your friends. Carefully designing your game's
scoring system and the way such scores are shown on leaderboards can make a crucial difference in the satisfaction it
gives to your players.
What You Have Learned
In this chapter, you have learned:
How to build a timer to display overlays for a short time
How to create a field of glitters and attach it to game objects
How to play sound effects and music in the Jewel Jam game
Search WWH ::
Custom Search