Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
n
Type:
Engine
n
Intent:
Two converters set up in a loop create a surplus of resources that can be
used elsewhere in the game.
n
Motivation:
Two resources that can be converted into each other fuel a feedback
loop that produces a surplus of resources. At least one of the converters must output
more resources than it takes in to create the surplus. The converter engine is a more
complicated mechanism than most other engines but also offers more opportunities
to improve the engine. As a result, a converter engine is nearly always dynamic.
applicability
Use a converter engine when:
n
You want to create a more complex mechanism to provide the player with more
resources than a
static
or
dynamic engine
provides. (Our example converter engine
contains two interactive elements, while the
dynamic engine
contains only one.) It
increases the difficulty of the game because the strength and the required invest-
ment of the feedback loop are more difficult to assess.
n
You need multiple options and mechanics to tune the profile of the feedback
loop that drives the engine and thereby the stream of resources that flow into the game.
structure
Participants
n
Two resources:
energy
and
fuel
n
A
converter
that changes fuel into
energy
n
A
converter
that changes energy
into fuel
n
Actions
that consume energy
collaborations
The converters change energy into fuel and fuel into energy. Normally the player
ends up with more energy than he started with.
