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Game Loops

The voluntary acceptance of unnecessary obstacles.

Good game design checklist:

  • Your business model and game play have to align.

Loops​

Master the feedback loops of the game.

  • Rendering
  • Gameplay
  • Meta
  • Core

Rendering Loop​

It focuses on a game engine.

Timeframe: typically in milliseconds.

Gameplay Loop​

Developers typically focus more on this loop than designers. It offers an opportunity to create smoothness. You want it to be transparent to players

  • It focuses on the action of the player.
  • It offers an opportunity to create fun for players.
  • It includes controls, pacing, look/feel, etc.

Timeframe: typically in seconds.

Meta Loop​

It establishes the long-term vision of the game. This is where the context is created.

It includes progression(s), economy, metrics, etc.

Timeframe: typically in anything from days to years.

Core Loop​

It is the heartbeat of the game. This is where the rules of the game are introduced.

It includes engagement, conversion, depth/variety, etc.

Timeframe: typically in minutes