View source for Loading Hints

[[Category:Patterns]]
[[Category:Information Patterns]]
[[Category:Needs work]]
[[Category:Staffan's current workpage]]
[[Category:Needs revision]]
[[Category:Needs examples]]
[[Category:Needs references]]
[[Category:Patterns created on the Wiki]]
[[Category:Stub]]
''Gameplay hints presented during loading sequences.''

Computer-based games can usually provide players with gameplay whenever players what and for how long the want. One exception to this is that they may have to load data when players enter new levels or worlds, and this forced waiting can be irritating in contrast to the gameplay. [[Loading Hints]] is one way of avoiding this by providing some information to players during the enforced pause, thereby adding some benefit to the  interruption.

=== Examples ===
Both the [[Elder Scrolls series]] and the [[Fallout series]] present [[Loading Hints]] when players fast travel between locations.

== Using the pattern ==
Designing [[Loading Hints]] obviously requires that there are points during gameplay (or just before it starts) when players have to wait, i.e. when they have [[Downtime]]. However, the pattern can make sense to use in games that have countdowns or where there is a pause before some type of gameplay begins. This given, creating [[Loading Hints]] mainly consist of compiling [[Strategic Knowledge]] and selecting which to show as hints and possibly when during gameplay which hint should be shown.

The alternatives to using [[Loading Hints]] is either using [[Cutscenes]], [[Minigames]] or other small interactive possibilities (see the GiantBomb page<ref name="giantbomb"/> for more examples), or simply letting players have to wait.

=== Interface Aspects ===
[[Loading Hints]] is an [[Category:Information Patterns|Information Pattern]].

=== Narrative Aspects ===
Although 

== Consequences ==

== Relations ==

=== Can Instantiate ===
[[Clues]], 
[[Smooth Learning Curves]]

==== with [[Strategic Knowledge]] ====
[[Strategic Planning]]

=== Can Modulate ===
[[Downtime]], 
[[Strategic Knowledge]]

=== Can Be Instantiated By ===

=== Can Be Modulated By ===

=== Possible Closure Effects ===

=== Potentially Conflicting With ===

== History ==
New pattern created in this wiki.

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="giantbomb">[http://www.giantbomb.com/interactive-loading-screen/92-1419/ Page] on the GiantBomb web site describing the Interactive Loading Screen concept.</ref>
</references>

== Acknowledgements ==
-