Improved Abilities - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 11:52, 21 March 2018

2018-03-21T11:52:22Z

Staffan Björk at 10:06, 7 September 2016

2016-09-07T10:06:09Z

Staffan Björk: /* Can Instantiate */

2016-09-07T10:05:34Z

‎Can Instantiate

Staffan Björk: /* Can Be Modulated By */

2016-07-23T16:34:07Z

‎Can Be Modulated By

Staffan Björk at 14:32, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T14:32:13Z

Staffan Björk at 12:00, 4 August 2015

2015-08-04T12:00:53Z

Staffan Björk at 09:40, 2 August 2015

2015-08-02T09:40:52Z

Staffan Björk at 09:04, 2 August 2015

2015-08-02T09:04:58Z

Staffan Björk at 20:43, 5 July 2015

2015-07-05T20:43:40Z

Staffan Björk at 13:31, 15 December 2014

2014-12-15T13:31:59Z

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 [[Improved Abilities]] are often easier to explain within a [[Thematic Consistency]] than [[New Abilities]], as the pattern can be instantiated as increases in [[Attributes]], [[Powers]], or [[Skills]] of [[Characters]] or [[Avatars]] - possibly through advances in [[Character Levels]] or increased access to a type of [[Resources|Resource]]. For [[Abstract Player Constructs]] the introduction of [[Improved Abilities]] can also uses these explanations but [[New Abilities]] are as thematically plausible as improved ones. [[Armor]], [[Equipment]], [[Sets]], [[Tools]], [[Vehicles]], and [[Weapons]] are all ways of giving [[Improved Abilities]] linked to the possession of [[Game Items]] and therefore fit [[Characters]] and [[Avatars]] well. The use of [[Ammunition]] in itself does not motivate [[Improved Abilities]] but can do so when several different varieties of [[Ammunition]] exists (as e.g. in the [[Fallout series]]). Items in [[Game Worlds]] that provide [[Improved Abilities]] can thematically be used on [[Units]] as well but may functionally be effects of [[Investments]], unlocking parts of [[Technology Trees]], or [[Upgrading]] (which may be through [[Upgrades]] or not). These latter solutions may also work well on [[Abstract Player Constructs]]. [[Controllers]] and [[Environmental Effects]] (the latter which may be defined by what [[Improved Abilities]] they give) do not make these [[Improved Abilities]] into [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] per se, but make the improvements location-fixed. [[Power-Ups]] and [[Chargers]] have similar effects but also create [[Improved Abilities]] by having [[Time Limits]]. Joining or teaming up with [[Factions]] can also motivate [[Improved Abilities]] and since this is based on social relations the option may be best suited for use with [[Characters]] or [[Abstract Player Constructs]] when these represent organizations or states. What patterns are best suited to give [[Improved Abilities]] to [[Enemies]] depend on their nature (are they represented by [[Avatars]], [[Characters]], [[Units]], or [[Abstract Player Constructs]]?).
-[[Improved Abilities]] are quite natural to give to players as [[Rewards]] and more specifically as [[Facilitating Rewards]]. They can also be the result of [[Investments]] and then let players have the [[Freedom of Choice]] of making [[Trade-Offs]] between finishing these or making other actions. [[Crafting]] can allow players to improve [[Abilities]] as explicit actions and thereby can be seen as an example of [[Investments]] when they provide this option. For games with [[Character Levels]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] for improvements can let players also have [[Freedom of Choice]] - in this case of what specific [[Abilities]] to improve.
+[[Improved Abilities]] are quite natural to give to players as [[Rewards]] and more specifically as [[Facilitating Rewards]]. They can also be the result of [[Investments]] (e.g. [[Card Building]] or [[Deck Building]]) and then let players have the [[Freedom of Choice]] of making [[Trade-Offs]] between finishing these or making other actions. [[Crafting]] can allow players to improve [[Abilities]] as explicit actions and thereby can be seen as an example of [[Investments]] when they provide this option. For games with [[Character Levels]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] for improvements can let players also have [[Freedom of Choice]] - in this case of what specific [[Abilities]] to improve.
 While [[Improved Abilities]] may disrupt player balance if given unchecked, [[Balancing Effects]] for them can easily be acquired by simultaneously making other [[Abilities]] into [[Decreased Abilities]]. Another way of introducing [[Balancing Effects]] is to include [[Diminishing Returns]] so that players with powerful [[Abilities]] get less advantages of improving these than other players. Having [[Time Limits]], as e.g. [[Power-Ups]] do, is yet another way to balance [[Improved Abilities]]. [[Player/System Action Composites]] are typically created when [[Power-Ups]] provide [[Improved Abilities]] that dynamically improve the abilities depending on the gameplay context.
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 [[Armor]],
 [[Bookkeeping Tokens]],
 [[Chargers]],
 [[Controllers]],
 [[Crafting]],
 [[Equipment]],
 [[Investments]],

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 ==== with [[Teams]] ====
 [[Team Development]]
 === Can Modulate ===

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 ==== with [[Teams]] ====
 [[Team Development]]
 === Can Modulate ===

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 [[Diminishing Returns]],
 [[Location-Fixed Abilities]],
 [[Time Limits]]

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 [[Improved Abilities]] are often easier to explain within a [[Thematic Consistency]] than [[New Abilities]], as the pattern can be instantiated as increases in [[Attributes]], [[Powers]], or [[Skills]] of [[Characters]] or [[Avatars]] - possibly through advances in [[Character Levels]] or increased access to a type of [[Resources|Resource]]. For [[Abstract Player Constructs]] the introduction of [[Improved Abilities]] can also uses these explanations but [[New Abilities]] are as thematically plausible as improved ones. [[Armor]], [[Equipment]], [[Sets]], [[Tools]], [[Vehicles]], and [[Weapons]] are all ways of giving [[Improved Abilities]] linked to the possession of [[Game Items]] and therefore fit [[Characters]] and [[Avatars]] well. The use of [[Ammunition]] in itself does not motivate [[Improved Abilities]] but can do so when several different varieties of [[Ammunition]] exists (as e.g. in the [[Fallout series]]). Items in [[Game Worlds]] that provide [[Improved Abilities]] can thematically be used on [[Units]] as well but may functionally be effects of [[Investments]], unlocking parts of [[Technology Trees]], or [[Upgrading]] (which may be through [[Upgrades]] or not). These latter solutions may also work well on [[Abstract Player Constructs]]. [[Controllers]] and [[Environmental Effects]] (the latter which may be defined by what [[Improved Abilities]] they give) do not make these [[Improved Abilities]] into [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] per se, but make the improvements location-fixed. [[Power-Ups]] and [[Chargers]] have similar effects but also create [[Improved Abilities]] by having [[Time Limits]]. Joining or teaming up with [[Factions]] can also motivate [[Improved Abilities]] and since this is based on social relations the option may be best suited for use with [[Characters]] or [[Abstract Player Constructs]] when these represent organizations or states. What patterns are best suited to give [[Improved Abilities]] to [[Enemies]] depend on their nature (are they represented by [[Avatars]], [[Characters]], [[Units]], or [[Abstract Player Constructs]]?).
-[[Improved Abilities]] are quite natural to give to players as [[Rewards]]. They can also be the result of [[Investments]] and then let players have the [[Freedom of Choice]] of making [[Trade-Offs]] between finishing these or making other actions. [[Crafting]] can allow players to improve [[Abilities]] as explicit actions and thereby can be seen as an example of [[Investments]] when they provide this option. For games with [[Character Levels]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] for improvements can let players also have [[Freedom of Choice]] - in this case of what specific [[Abilities]] to improve.
+[[Improved Abilities]] are quite natural to give to players as [[Rewards]] and more specifically as [[Facilitating Rewards]]. They can also be the result of [[Investments]] and then let players have the [[Freedom of Choice]] of making [[Trade-Offs]] between finishing these or making other actions. [[Crafting]] can allow players to improve [[Abilities]] as explicit actions and thereby can be seen as an example of [[Investments]] when they provide this option. For games with [[Character Levels]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] for improvements can let players also have [[Freedom of Choice]] - in this case of what specific [[Abilities]] to improve.
 While [[Improved Abilities]] may disrupt player balance if given unchecked, [[Balancing Effects]] for them can easily be acquired by simultaneously making other [[Abilities]] into [[Decreased Abilities]]. Another way of introducing [[Balancing Effects]] is to include [[Diminishing Returns]] so that players with powerful [[Abilities]] get less advantages of improving these than other players. Having [[Time Limits]], as e.g. [[Power-Ups]] do, is yet another way to balance [[Improved Abilities]]. [[Player/System Action Composites]] are typically created when [[Power-Ups]] provide [[Improved Abilities]] that dynamically improve the abilities depending on the gameplay context.
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 [[Environmental Effects]],
 [[Exaggerated Perception of Influence]],
 [[Gain Competence]],
 [[Higher-Level Closures as Gameplay Progresses]],

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 When [[Improved Abilities]] are applied to [[Enemies]] this can give [[Challenging Gameplay]] as well as create [[Boss Monsters]]. When applied to both players and [[Enemies]], [[Improved Abilities]] can, like [[New Abilities]], give rise to [[Red Queen Dilemmas]]. This can also occur when competing players can improve abilities during gameplay so that they are equally matched.
-Like [[New Abilities]], the improvement of [[Abilities]] is a form of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] if it is applied on [[Abstract Player Constructs]] or [[Characters]]. This may give rise to [[Increasing Rewards]], [[Varied Gameplay]], and set up [[Paper-Rock-Scissors]] relations (although not as readily as [[New Abilities]] may do). When players' are given a [[Freedom of Choice]] to affect what [[Abilities]] are improved, these effects become more potent and can give rise to [[Player-Planned Development]] and the choices can represent [[Character Defining Actions]]. In games with [[Teams]], the development also becomes [[Team Development]].
+Like [[New Abilities]], the improvement of [[Abilities]] is a form of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] if it is applied on [[Abstract Player Constructs]] or [[Characters]]. This may give rise to [[Increasing Rewards]], [[Varied Gameplay]], and set up [[Paper-Rock-Scissors]] relations (although not as readily as [[New Abilities]] may do). When players' are given a [[Freedom of Choice]] to affect what [[Abilities]] are improved, these effects become more potent and can give rise to [[Player-Planned Development]] and the choices can represent [[Character Defining Actions]] in games with [[Characters]]. In games with [[Teams]], the development also becomes [[Team Development]].
 [[Improved Abilities]] can create [[Trade-Offs]] when players have to choose between several different categories of [[Abilities]] to improve. In the case of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] this is typically permanent, but having several different types of [[Ammunition]] is one example of how players can have [[Trade-Offs]] between different types of [[Improved Abilities]] on a moment to moment basis.
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 === Can Instantiate ===
 [[Balancing Effects]],
 [[Competence Areas]],
 [[Difficulty Levels]],
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 [[Varied Gameplay]]
-==== with [[Characters]] ====
+==== with [[Ammunition]] ====
-[[Character Development]]
-−
-==== [[Ammunition]] ====
 [[Trade-Offs]]
 ==== with [[Controllers]], [[Equipment]], [[Sets]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]] ====

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 When [[Improved Abilities]] are applied to [[Enemies]] this can give [[Challenging Gameplay]] as well as create [[Boss Monsters]]. When applied to both players and [[Enemies]], [[Improved Abilities]] can, like [[New Abilities]], give rise to [[Red Queen Dilemmas]]. This can also occur when competing players can improve abilities during gameplay so that they are equally matched.
-Like [[New Abilities]], the improvement of [[Abilities]] is a form of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] that may give rise to [[Increasing Rewards]], [[Varied Gameplay]], and set up [[Paper-Rock-Scissors]] relations (although not as readily as [[New Abilities]] may do). When players' are given a [[Freedom of Choice]] to affect what [[Abilities]] are improved, these effects become more potent and can give rise to [[Player-Planned Development]] and the choices can represent [[Character Defining Actions]]. In games with [[Teams]], the development also becomes [[Team Development]].
+Like [[New Abilities]], the improvement of [[Abilities]] is a form of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] if it is applied on [[Abstract Player Constructs]] or [[Characters]]. This may give rise to [[Increasing Rewards]], [[Varied Gameplay]], and set up [[Paper-Rock-Scissors]] relations (although not as readily as [[New Abilities]] may do). When players' are given a [[Freedom of Choice]] to affect what [[Abilities]] are improved, these effects become more potent and can give rise to [[Player-Planned Development]] and the choices can represent [[Character Defining Actions]]. In games with [[Teams]], the development also becomes [[Team Development]].
 [[Improved Abilities]] can create [[Trade-Offs]] when players have to choose between several different categories of [[Abilities]] to improve. In the case of [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] this is typically permanent, but having several different types of [[Ammunition]] is one example of how players can have [[Trade-Offs]] between different types of [[Improved Abilities]] on a moment to moment basis.
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 == Relations ==
 === Can Instantiate ===
 [[Balancing Effects]],
 [[Character Defining Actions]],
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 [[Rewards]],
 [[Supporting Goals]]
 ==== with [[Abstract Player Construct Development]] or [[Character Development]] ====

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 == Consequences ==
-[[Improved Abilities]] give players [[Empowerment]] by making the [[Abilities]] of [[Abstract Player Constructs]], [[Avatars]], or [[Characters]] more potent and can through this promote [[Competence Areas]]. The improvement is typically [[Rewards]] for completing [[Gain Competence]] goals or the acquisition of various types of [[Controllers]], [[Equipment]], [[Sets]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]] as part of [[Gain Ownership]] goals. Gaining [[Improved Abilities]] create [[Supporting Goals]] as well, as they empower players to influence the game state and create [[Exaggerated Perception of Influence]]. When given before gameplay starts, [[Improved Abilities]] are a way of setting [[Difficulty Levels]] while giving them during gameplay can tilt the balance of [[Player/Character Skill Composites]]. Regardless of when they are given, [[Improved Abilities]] may go against [[Challenging Gameplay]] if given in too much abundance but when given by others (including [[Dedicated Game Facilitators]] or impartial rule systems) they may function as [[Balancing Effects]].
+[[Improved Abilities]] give players [[Empowerment]] by making the [[Abilities]] of [[Abstract Player Constructs]], [[Avatars]], or [[Characters]] more potent and can through this promote [[Competence Areas]]. The improvement is typically [[Rewards]] for completing [[Gain Competence]] goals or the acquisition of various types of [[Controllers]], [[Equipment]], [[Sets]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]] as part of [[Gain Ownership]] goals. Even if they help players, [[Improved Abilities]] may until players are used to them lower their ability to have a correct [[Determinable Chance to Succeed]].
 When [[Improved Abilities]] are applied to [[Enemies]] this can give [[Challenging Gameplay]] as well as create [[Boss Monsters]]. When applied to both players and [[Enemies]], [[Improved Abilities]] can, like [[New Abilities]], give rise to [[Red Queen Dilemmas]]. This can also occur when competing players can improve abilities during gameplay so that they are equally matched.
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 [[Characters]],
 [[Combat]],
 [[Enemies]],
 [[Factions]],