Free-For-Alls Can Be Good, Actually
I have long opposed free-for-alls in games that involve attacking other players. I would rather have two teams. If the game has player elimination, free-for-alls mean some players have
Variable Costs Flatten Gameplay
In Mage Wars, counter-spells cost "X" mana. For Dissolve, X is the cost of the equipment you destroy; for Dispel, it is the cost of the target enchantment. The appeal
Collective Effervescence And Shared Events
In 1912, sociologist Émile Durkheim came up with the theory of "Collective Effervescence." He theorized that experiencing emotionally charged events together creates social unity. Collective effervescence requires both shared attention and
Alternatives To Targeted Attacks
In many multiplayer games, players must decide who to cooperate with and who to attack. This makes politics important, as players try to convince others that they are not a threat. Some people
The Advantages of Prefabrication
One thing that makes games fun is player creativity. Designing something in-game creates a greater sense of ownership and emotional attachment. But design can be a lot of work and sometimes matters