Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
A
static engine
generally does not inspire long-term strategies: Collecting resources
from a
static engine
, if possible at all, will be quite obvious.
implementation
Normally, it is simple to implement a
static engine
: A single source that produces the
energy will suffice. It is possible to add multiple steps in the energy production, but
in general this will add little to the game.
A
static engine
can be made unpredictable by using some form of variation in the
production rate. An unpredictable
static engine
will force the player to prepare for
periods of fewer resources and reward players who make plans that can withstand
bad luck. The easiest way to create an unpredictable
static engine
is to use random-
ness to vary the output level of resources or the length of time between moments of
production, but skill or multiplayer dynamics could work as well.
The outcome of random production rates can be, but does not need to be, the same
for every player. By using an unpredictable
static engine
that generates the same
resources for all players, the luck factor is evened out without affecting the unpre-
dictability. This puts more emphasis on the planning and timing that the pattern
introduces. An example would be a game in which all players secretly decide how
many resources all players can get. The lowest number will be the number of
resources to enter play for everyone, while the players who proposed the lowest can
act first. This would automatically set up some feedback from the game's current
state to this mechanism. (This system discourages inflation.)
examples
The energy produced by the spacecraft in
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
is an example
of a
static engine
. The energy can be diverted to boost the player's shields, speed, and
lasers. This is a vital strategic decision in the game, and the energy allocation can be
changed at any moment. The amount of energy generated every second is the same
for all spacecraft of the same type (
Figure B.1
).
FIGURe b.1
distribution of energy
in
Star Wars: X-Wing
Alliance
