Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Therefore, when you read, “The core mechanics send triggers to the storytelling
engine,” it's just shorthand for a longer sentence that reads, “The game engine, using
algorithms specified by the core mechanics, sends triggers to the storytelling engine.”
Functions of the Core Mechanics in Operation
During play, the core mechanics (as implemented by the game engine) operate
behind the scenes to create and manage gameplay for the player, keep track of
everything that happens in the game world, and work with the storytelling engine
to help tell the story. The following list details what core mechanics do:
Operate the internal economy of the game.
The core mechanics specify how
the game or the player creates, distributes, and uses up the goods on which the
game bases its economy. This function is the most important role of the core
mechanics. The later section “The Internal Economy” addresses this in detail.
Present active challenges
to the player via the user interface, as the level design
specifies. Active challenges are those governed by mechanics. Passive challenges,
such as a chasm that the avatar must jump over, don't have mechanics of their
own. The later section “Challenges and the Core Mechanics” discusses the distinc-
tion between active and passive challenges.
Accept player actions
from the user interface and implement their effects upon
the game world and other players.
Detect victory or loss
, and the termination conditions of the game. More gener-
ally, the mechanics detect success or failure in all challenges in the game, and
apply whatever consequences the rules call for.
Operate the artificial intelligence
of nonplayer characters and artificial
opponents.
Switch the game from mode to mode.
The core mechanics keep track of the
current gameplay mode and, whenever a mode change occurs (either because the
nature of the game requires it or the player requests it), the core mechanics switch
modes and signal the user interface to update the UI accordingly.
Transmit triggers to the storytelling engine
when game events or player
actions that influence the plot occur.
Real-Time Games Versus Turn-Based Games
Your specification of the core mechanics will read somewhat differently depending
on whether your game is turn-based or takes place in real time.
Most video games operate in real time, so the core mechanics specify the parame-
ters of a living world that operates on its own whether the player acts or not. Many
of the mechanics you design will be
processes
that operate continuously or for
extended periods
.
AI-driven characters go about their business, traps check to see
