Systems

Frameworks for Creating Meaningful Play

Complexity

Not Randomness

Complexity

Not abundance of choice

Fixed Systems

Relationships never change

Periodic Systems

Repeat the same patterns endlessly

Chaotic Systems

Completely random

Complex Systems

In between a periodic system and a chaotic system, displaying more complex behavior than the repetition of periodic systems.

Horrible Example #1

Roll the Dice

Horrible Example #2

Big Grid

Emergence

Leads to unpredictability

Coupled and Context Dependent

Each interaction affects other objects,depending on the moment, the patterns change dynamically

Conflict

Staging a conflict can lead to meaningful play

Conflict in Systems

Single Player vs. Single Player

Group vs. Group

One Against Many

Everyone For Themselves

Single Player vs. The System

Individual Players vs. The System

Group vs. The System

A Level Playing Field

Mechanics

What You Do

Dynamics

Patterns of play, based on mechanics

Territorial Acquisition

Prediction

Spatial Reasoning

Survival

Destruction

Building

Collection

Chase and Evade

Trading

Race to the End