Creating Identities for Players
There are a number of ways in which designers can elicit identities in the player, including:
- Storyline
- Situated Decisions
- Non-player Characters
- Emotionally Charged Events
Of those mentioned, the plot of a game or storyline is one of the more unique ways in which the identities are developed. Storylines provide context for play and can be used by games designers to create situations that produce emotional responses in the player.
These emotional responses facilitate suspension of disbelief. For example, the player becomes attached to or cares about what happens to not only his or her character but other characters in the game.
Placing the players in a situation where ethical decisions must be made is another way to foster the development of an identity. Decisions made in the game will delimit the paths a player can take as he or she advances.
To add upon the level of identification with the character and virtual world, non-player characters (NPCs) are introduced. NPCs represent key relationships for the player character, thus allowing for opportunities to create dramatic situations with emotionally charged aspects in the game, another useful strategy for identity development.
Generating Ideas for Games
Ideas for games can come from anywhere. A games designer might use personal experiences, favorite books, artwork, etc. Designers commonly engage in brainstorming sessions in order to create their games.
An important aspect of generating ideas for games is the knowledge of the tools used to make the game itself. For example, while the idea for an archery game tends to work very well on a 3D platform, trying to bring it to life on a tool for 2D might present many more challenges than necessary.