Game development

Abstract

This application describes tools and methods for the analysis, interpretation and modification of games and for the development, design and construction of new games. A method of designing a unit of gameplay comprises making a choice about the properties of a number of structural elements of said unit of gameplay to be designed to give a plurality of candidate structural element properties; and generating a schematic representation of the unit of gameplay comprising a representation of each of the candidate structural element properties. The structural elements include a topology of selected points of interest to be included in the unit of gameplay; a rhythm of the unit of gameplay; a number of actions that will be available to a participant of the unit of gameplay; and a probability that an objective result will be achieved by the participant.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0602873.2, filed 13 Feb. 2006 and from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 0624204.4, filed 4 Dec. 2006, all herein incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to tools and methods for the analysis, interpretation and modification of games, and for the development, design and construction of new games. In particular, embodiments of the present invention utilise a visual aid to represent a number of the structural elements of gameplay. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are many individual characteristics of a game that contribute to the overall experience of playing that game. In the way that a piece of music has a number of structural elements, such as the rhythm, pitch, key, dynamics and speed, which dictate the sound characteristics of the work when it is performed, it is possible to consider that a game comprises a number of stru...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides tools and methods for analyzing, interpreting, and modifying computer games. The invention focuses on the four main structural features of games: topology, rhythm, actions, and probability. The invention seeks to provide a better understanding of game play and how it can be improved. The invention also provides an apparatus for generating a schematic representation of a unit of gameplay, which includes a representation of points of interest, the rhythm of the game, the number of actions available to a player, and the probability of achieving an objective result. Overall, the invention aims to facilitate the analysis, interpretation, and modification of games through the use of tools and methods."

Problems solved by technology

With no means of notating this information, it is all too often that some of the original concepts, and intended psychological response to playing the game, are lost.

However, even in approaching game design in this way, it is still very difficult for the designer to fully appreciate how the various structural elements of the game impact on the gameplay experience and, thus, how these elements could be varied to accomplish a new game experience.

The problem is particularly apparent in the field of computer games which are highly complex systems involving numerous structural elements each contributing, to a greater or lesser extent, to the resulting technical properties of the game.

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