Beyond Skinner Boxes: Leveraging Progression Systems for Enhanced Game Design
One of the earliest Extra Credits episodes addressed the dangers of "skinner box" mechanics in game design, highlighting how progression systems can devolve into psychological traps. These traps are designed to keep players grinding, even when they no longer find the game enjoyable. However, progression systems don't have to be detrimental. In fact, they can significantly enhance the gaming experience if implemented thoughtfully.
Progression as Part of the Experience
A beneficial progression system integrates seamlessly into the game's overall experience, rather than being a tacked-on feature intended solely to increase playtime or encourage player retention without adding substantive content. While developers sometimes need to manage the pace of player progress to prevent them from rapidly consuming all available content, progression systems can be designed to improve the player's engagement and enjoyment.
Adding Long-Term Strategic Depth
Progression systems can introduce a long-term strategic component to a game. While most in-game decisions are made relatively quickly, a well-designed progression system encourages players to contemplate their choices over extended periods. For example, the talent tree in World of Warcraft allows players to spend hours planning their character builds, optimizing their damage output or healing capabilities. This strategic element adds depth to the game and keeps players engaged even when they're not actively playing. If timers or energy systems are used, giving players strategic choices about how to spend their time while waiting can improve engagement.
Rewarding Strategic Thinking
To ensure engagement, progression systems should reward players for thoughtful strategic planning. However, players should also have a way to correct mistakes. The ability to "re-spec" a character in World of Warcraft for a small cost provides an incentive for strategic thinking while mitigating the risk of ruining the player's experience.
Shaping the Learning Curve
Progression systems are a valuable tool for managing the learning curve and reducing the complexity of a game. By gradually introducing new elements to the player, they can familiarize themselves with one aspect of the game before moving on to the next. This approach allows players to control the pace of their learning, progressing faster through elements they understand well and creating a self-regulating learning curve.
Rewarding Engaging Playstyles
Designers can create progression systems that reward the most engaging types of play. The most efficient way to progress should also be the most interesting, pushing players to master game mechanics they might otherwise ignore. However, it's crucial that the designer's definition of "efficient" aligns with the player's. Discrepancies can lead to situations where the most efficient path is also the least enjoyable, which can be detrimental to the game experience.
Enhancing Narrative and Character Development
Progression systems can also be integrated to enhance the narrative and character development within a game. Faction progression, where player actions affect their alignment with different factions, can add depth to the game's world. Furthermore, progression systems can be used to infuse characters with personality and show their growth over time. The gameplay abilities of a character often shape our perception of them, and progression schemes allow for adjustments that reflect changes in the character.
Providing Cohesiveness and Continuity
Finally, progression systems can provide a sense of cohesiveness and continuity to games. By tying events together and creating persistence, players gain a sense of a larger, more holistic world. This enhances immersion and investment in the game.
Conclusion
Progression systems can be powerful tools for enhancing the player experience, provided they are implemented thoughtfully and integrated seamlessly into the game. These systems should not be used simply because they are commonplace or to mask lackluster gameplay. Instead, they should add meaningful value to the game itself, creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for the player.