video game genres: lecture #1
definition: genre
a genre for a video game is based on the game play of the game itself and the interaction it allows the player during the game.
a genre is not defined by the assets, game design features, or narrative as it is only focused on the game play. for example, a role playing game (RPG) is a type of genre.
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you can see examples of genres to the right in bullet points.
list of types of genres
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RPG (role playing game)
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top down
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first person
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third prson
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MMO (massively multiplayer online)
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stretegy
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survival
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open world
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side scroll
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simulation
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puzzle
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sports
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idle
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visual novel
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logic
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action / adventure
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MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena)
games are not organised by: npc's (non playable characters), enemies (mini bosses and / or boss), and narrative.
the evil within - survival horror game
gameplay
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real time stretedy
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side scroller
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survival horror
note: survival horrors are a curveball as films and books are in the horror genre in media, but this is not the same way.
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example
genre (film) - romance
genre (game) - Rpg (role playing game)
how do survival horrors work?
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sneaking around the location and past one or multiple npc's (non playable characters) to avoid being harmed and / or killed.
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movements are slower to feel more vulnerable during game play.
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decision making is important and one wrong more can get you killed.
what about lighting?
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dark environment with many shadows to keep players on edge while playing the game.
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light up / flash an object so that the player knows to go to a location or to use a particular objects to hint to them that they need to interact with that objects. make it clear that a particular object will help them progress during game play.
gameplay
we watched this video to see and understand how to game play works visually for 'the evil within' so that we could get a better idea of how a survival horror game should be. to watch the video click the link below:
other games: blueberry garden
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theme: puzzle platform
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genre: adventure / indie
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simple / basic controls
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not very clever or unique
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released June 10th, 2009
gameplay
we watched this video to see and understand how to game play works visually for 'blueberry garden' and to be honest, i didn't like the game play very much. to watch the video click the link below:
other games: passage
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theme: side scroller
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genre: n/a
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pixel 100 x 16 resolution (blocky)
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life and death
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released November 1st, 2007
gameplay
we watched this video to see and understand how to game play works visually for 'passage' and just like 'blueberry garden', i once again didn't like the game play very much. to watch the video click the link below:
the elder scrolls v: skyrim - rpg game
gameplay
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character customisation
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open world
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rpg
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single player
the player explores an open world map while taking on quests and battling enemies to level up.
key mechanics
the key mechanics for this game consists of the HUD (heads up display) which shows your health bar, magicka bar, and stamina bar. At the top of the screen it also shows a mini map and a quest marker to guide the player to their next objective. it can be played in first or third person depending on whatever the player prefers to play in.
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another key mechanic is that during your game play there are 'shouts' which is a form of dragon language that is one phrase made up of three words that have been separated so that the player must collect and put them together to find out what the phrase is.
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i've looked up 'the elder scrolls v: skyrim' because it is the same genre as our game (rpg (role playing game)) so i've added this to this blog post to help me for when i make my level design.
cyberpunk 2077 - rpg game
gameplay
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character customisation
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narrative driven
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open world
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rpg
the player can explore their surroundings within their home or when they are on missions.
key mechanics
the key mechanics for this game include weapons which have levels including: recoil, spread, and range. you can wear jackets which not only provides armour for the player for when they['re having mission, but it also increases your street cred which will help you when you're interacting with other people.
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when you complete a job, you are rewarded with money called 'eddies' which is slang for euro dollars. another mechanic is that whenever you go near any advertisements they change to suit your character and your needs and directs you to the nearest location to buy what they are promoting. this influences players to spend their eddies on things.
conclusion
i will use this information that i have learned today to help me for when i create my level design. i have explored different types of themes including the same theme that i want to use for my level design, this will help me not only gain knowledge in other themes for games, but for me to gain knowledge for my own theme I'm working on.
harvard referencing
Digital Trends (2014). The Evil Within review. [image] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/game-reviews/evil-within-review/#/4 [Accessed 20 Sep. 2018].
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VGChartz (2009). Blueberry Garden - Review. [image] Available at: http://www.vgchartz.com/article/258353/blueberry-garden/ [Accessed 20 Sep. 2018].
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necessary games (n.d.). Life in a Bottle. [image] Available at: https://www.necessarygames.com/reviews/passage-game-free-download-independent-linux-mac-os-x-windows-art-game-abstract-singleplayer [Accessed 20 Sep. 2018].
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GAMESWALLS.ORG (2015). The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition Pc Game. [image] Available at: https://gameswalls.org/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-special-edition-pc-game/ [Accessed 20 Sep. 2018].
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Wccftech (2018). Cyberpunk 2077 First Ever Public Gameplay Reveal. [image] Available at: https://wccftech.com/cyberpunk-2077-first-ever-gameplay-reveal/ [Accessed 20 Sep. 2018].