Game design

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/game-design

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core design elements?Mechanics and systems (rules/objects), gameplay (player actions/interactions), and player experience (subjective feelings/cognition)
2. What is the academic context?Game design is a subfield within game studies, distinct from game theory
3. How do game designers make a game?They start by writing rules and building game mechanics, then test and tweak them to keep the game exciting. They also think about how players will feel and learn while playing.
4. Where did games come from?People have made games for thousands of years, from ancient board games like the Royal Game of Ur to early video games like Tennis for Two. Printing and computers helped games grow even more.

Game Mechanics: The fundamental rules, actions, and interactions that define how a game operates and what players can do.
Gameplay: The dynamic experience of playing a game, focusing on the player's active engagement and decision-making processes.
Player Experience: The holistic subjective journey of a player, encompassing their emotions, cognitive engagement, and overall satisfaction with the game.