Inaccessible Areas - Revision history

Staffan Björk: /* Can Modulate */

2016-09-01T12:31:46Z

‎Can Modulate

Staffan Björk at 12:31, 1 September 2016

2016-09-01T12:31:25Z

Staffan Björk at 13:44, 21 July 2016

2016-07-21T13:44:21Z

Staffan Björk at 08:37, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T08:37:45Z

Staffan Björk at 07:05, 3 August 2015

2015-08-03T07:05:03Z

Staffan Björk: /* Relations */

2015-07-29T09:01:10Z

‎Relations

Staffan Björk at 09:00, 29 July 2015

2015-07-29T09:00:40Z

Staffan Björk at 08:55, 29 July 2015

2015-07-29T08:55:10Z

Staffan Björk at 18:00, 31 July 2014

2014-07-31T18:00:06Z

Staffan Björk: /* Can Modulate */

2014-07-30T22:41:06Z

‎Can Modulate

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 [[Game World Navigation]],
 [[Game Worlds]],
-[[Inaccessible Areas]],
+[[Laning]],
 [[Levels]],
 [[Movement]],

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 == Using the pattern ==
-There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: those surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and those hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Game Boards]] and [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements that result in an [[Access Rewards|Access Reward]] (this requirement is most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Game Boards]] or [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
+There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: those surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and those hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. A special case is making [[Inaccessible Areas]] between different lanes to make the use of these lanes necessary in games or [[Levels]] with [[Laning]]. While [[Game Boards]] and [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements that result in an [[Access Rewards|Access Reward]] (this requirement is most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Game Boards]] or [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
 While [[Inaccessible Areas]] within gameplay areas hinder [[Movement]] they do not have to hinder other types of action. Engaging in [[Dialogues]] or [[Combat]] are two examples, and [[Inaccessible Areas]] allowing the latter can be used to create [[Sniper Locations]]. Another, which is appropriate if players can later get access to the [[Inaccessible Areas]], is simply to let players view what is in them. This can provide [[Traverse]] goals when this reveals things that are useful for gameplay, e.g. [[Resource Locations]].
@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 [[Game World Navigation]],
 [[Game Worlds]],
 [[Levels]],
 [[Movement]],

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 == Using the pattern ==
-There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: those surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and those hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements that result in an [[Access Rewards|Access Reward]] (this requirement is most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
+There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: those surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and those hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Game Boards]] and [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements that result in an [[Access Rewards|Access Reward]] (this requirement is most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Game Boards]] or [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
 While [[Inaccessible Areas]] within gameplay areas hinder [[Movement]] they do not have to hinder other types of action. Engaging in [[Dialogues]] or [[Combat]] are two examples, and [[Inaccessible Areas]] allowing the latter can be used to create [[Sniper Locations]]. Another, which is appropriate if players can later get access to the [[Inaccessible Areas]], is simply to let players view what is in them. This can provide [[Traverse]] goals when this reveals things that are useful for gameplay, e.g. [[Resource Locations]].
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 == Consequences ==
-One main use of [[Inaccessible Areas]] is to make [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] that are limited in size have an [[Illusion of Open Space]], thereby trying to maintain a [[Diegetic Consistency]]. This is however a volatile solution since if the reason for the areas inaccessibility do not also fit thematically the pattern breaks [[Thematic Consistency]]. This assumes [[Inaccessible Areas]] that surround the area where gameplay takes place; if the gameplay area instead surrounds the [[Inaccessible Areas]] they are examples of [[Environmental Effects]]. Regardless, [[Inaccessible Areas]] restrict players [[Freedom of Choice]] by imposing [[Movement Limitations]] on players and affect how players can conduct [[Movement]] to enact [[Game World Navigation]].
+One main use of [[Inaccessible Areas]] is to make [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], and [[Levels]] that are limited in size have an [[Illusion of Open Space]], thereby trying to maintain a [[Diegetic Consistency]]. This is however a volatile solution since if the reason for the areas inaccessibility do not also fit thematically the pattern breaks [[Thematic Consistency]]. This assumes [[Inaccessible Areas]] that surround the area where gameplay takes place; if the gameplay area instead surrounds the [[Inaccessible Areas]] they are examples of [[Environmental Effects]]. Regardless, [[Inaccessible Areas]] restrict players [[Freedom of Choice]] by imposing [[Movement Limitations]] on players and affect how players can conduct [[Movement]] to enact [[Game World Navigation]].
-As discussed above, [[Inaccessible Areas]] do not ever have to be gameplay areas but simply provide players with an illusion that [[Game Worlds]] or [[Levels]] are larger than they are. Those that can be reached through opening [[Conditional Passageways]] give rise to [[Traverse]] goals, especially in cases players are motivated due to [[Obstacles]] blocking the access clearly indicates the possibility for later gaining access to the areas. When [[Inaccessible Areas]] are created by [[Enemies]], this gives rise to [[Eliminate]] goals. Used in these fashions, gaining access to areas can be used to maintain and unfold [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Inaccessible Areas]] can, however, also cause player frustration, especially in cases where it seems like a player can later access an area even though that's not the case. For example, having a locked door in an adventure game where there is no possibility for getting the right key will frustrate most players.
+As discussed above, [[Inaccessible Areas]] do not ever have to be gameplay areas but simply provide players with an illusion that [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], or [[Levels]] are larger than they are. Those that can be reached through opening [[Conditional Passageways]] give rise to [[Traverse]] goals, especially in cases players are motivated due to [[Obstacles]] blocking the access clearly indicates the possibility for later gaining access to the areas. When [[Inaccessible Areas]] are created by [[Enemies]], this gives rise to [[Eliminate]] goals. Used in these fashions, gaining access to areas can be used to maintain and unfold [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Inaccessible Areas]] can, however, also cause player frustration, especially in cases where it seems like a player can later access an area even though that's not the case. For example, having a locked door in an adventure game where there is no possibility for getting the right key will frustrate most players.
 [[Vehicles]] can be difficult to combine with [[Inaccessible Areas]] - at least if trying to maintain [[Thematic Consistency]] - since they typically offer more efficient ways of travel and potentially in other mediums. However, having some players be able to enter what is [[Inaccessible Areas]] to others due to having [[Privileged Movement]] that allows them to ignore [[Environmental Effects]] is a way to provide [[Orthogonal Differentiation]] and [[Varied Gameplay]]. Any [[Inaccessible Areas|Inaccessible Area]] that can be reached by some and cannot be reached by others are [[Safe Havens]] for the first group, and are likely to be [[Strategic Locations]] as well.
@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 [[Environmental Storytelling]],
 [[Freedom of Choice]],
 [[Game World Navigation]],
 [[Game Worlds]],
@@ Line 74: / Line 75: @@
 [[Big Dumb Objects]],
 [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]],
 [[Instances]],
 [[Invisible Walls]],

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 == Using the pattern ==
-There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements (most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
+There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: those surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and those hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements that result in an [[Access Rewards|Access Reward]] (this requirement is most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
 While [[Inaccessible Areas]] within gameplay areas hinder [[Movement]] they do not have to hinder other types of action. Engaging in [[Dialogues]] or [[Combat]] are two examples, and [[Inaccessible Areas]] allowing the latter can be used to create [[Sniper Locations]]. Another, which is appropriate if players can later get access to the [[Inaccessible Areas]], is simply to let players view what is in them. This can provide [[Traverse]] goals when this reveals things that are useful for gameplay, e.g. [[Resource Locations]].
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 A problem with both types of [[Inaccessible Areas]] is how to make players aware of the them while at the same time providing plausible explanations why they cannot be entered. Inserting [[Inaccessible Areas]] into gameplay areas can readily be achieved through [[Obstacles]], [[Traps]], or [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] since the [[Inaccessible Areas]] simply are the spaces filled, or possibly surrounded, by these diegetic elements. [[Moveable Tiles]] can as [[Obstacles]] also create [[Inaccessible Areas]] but come with built-in ways of making the accessible - moving them. They can also be used as ways of providing access routes to areas that are inaccessible due to other reasons. [[Obstacles]] can also be used to enclose the entire gameplay area but may need [[Cutscenes]] to make players aware of what is on the other side of the [[Obstacles]] - and the players may need to be reminded of this through more [[Cutscenes]]. [[Invisible Walls]], as for example for in certain levels of [[Super Mario Sunshine]], can remove the need for [[Cutscenes]] but run a far greater risk of breaking [[Thematic Consistency]].
-A design choice regarding [[Inaccessible Areas]] is if they should be inaccessible permanently throughout game instances or temporarily. Although maybe frustrating for players, [[Big Dumb Objects]] can quite readily be used as permanently [[Inaccessible Areas]] since they can be so far away that is will not break [[Thematic Consistency]] that the players cannot enter them. The most basic way of controlling access to normally [[Inaccessible Areas]] is probably through [[Conditional Passageways]], that can be unlocked through the use of the [[Switches]], more advanced [[Controllers]], or having the proper [[Tools]]. While [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] and [[Traps]] can be used to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] they can also make other [[Inaccessible Areas]] only temporarily so. [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] can also allow [[Construction]] of ways past or into the [[Inaccessible Areas]] while [[Traps]] can seem to affect whole areas that thereby create [[Inaccessible Areas]] while in reality safe passages exist. One dynamic way of creating temporarily [[Inaccessible Areas]] is to let [[Enemies]] create [[Conditional Passageways]] by controlling [[Choke Points]], e.g. those present in [[Galleries]]. [[Sniper Locations]] and [[Strongholds]] held by [[Enemies]] can do the same but here the denial is done through control over an larger area - in the case of [[Strongholds]] it may be the [[Strongholds|Stronghold]] itself. An option more associated with [[Predetermined Story Structures]] is to only open up the areas when [[Quests]] are active - [[Instances]] is an interesting example here since they are inaccessible until created and then only accessible to those that created them. Letting players with specific [[Vehicles]] that provide [[Privileged Movement]] is another temporary way of letting them visit [[Inaccessible Areas]]. For example, if water is used to block areas in a strategy game, it might follow that boat [[Units]] can enter the water areas but other [[Units]] cannot. This is also an example how applying [[Privileged Movement]] on [[Inaccessible Areas]] for certain game elements can provide [[Orthogonal Differentiation]]. This kind of unit design may also be used to create [[Safe Havens]].
+A design choice regarding [[Inaccessible Areas]] is if they should be inaccessible permanently throughout game instances or temporarily due to receiving [[Access Rewards]] or simply gameplay events occurring. Although maybe frustrating for players, [[Big Dumb Objects]] can quite readily be used as permanently [[Inaccessible Areas]] since they can be so far away that is will not break [[Thematic Consistency]] that the players cannot enter them. The most basic way of controlling access to normally [[Inaccessible Areas]] is probably through [[Conditional Passageways]], that can be unlocked through the use of the [[Switches]], more advanced [[Controllers]], or having the proper [[Tools]]. While [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] and [[Traps]] can be used to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] they can also make other [[Inaccessible Areas]] only temporarily so. [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] can also allow [[Construction]] of ways past or into the [[Inaccessible Areas]] while [[Traps]] can seem to affect whole areas that thereby create [[Inaccessible Areas]] while in reality safe passages exist. One dynamic way of creating temporarily [[Inaccessible Areas]] is to let [[Enemies]] create [[Conditional Passageways]] by controlling [[Choke Points]], e.g. those present in [[Galleries]]. [[Sniper Locations]] and [[Strongholds]] held by [[Enemies]] can do the same but here the denial is done through control over an larger area - in the case of [[Strongholds]] it may be the [[Strongholds|Stronghold]] itself. An option more associated with [[Predetermined Story Structures]] is to only open up the areas when [[Quests]] are active - [[Instances]] is an interesting example here since they are inaccessible until created and then only accessible to those that created them. Letting players with specific [[Vehicles]] that provide [[Privileged Movement]] is another temporary way of letting them visit [[Inaccessible Areas]]. For example, if water is used to block areas in a strategy game, it might follow that boat [[Units]] can enter the water areas but other [[Units]] cannot. This is also an example how applying [[Privileged Movement]] on [[Inaccessible Areas]] for certain game elements can provide [[Orthogonal Differentiation]]. This kind of unit design may also be used to create [[Safe Havens]].
 [[Inaccessible Areas]] may be the initial location of the game elements but may be inaccessible after one has left them. This use of [[One-Way Travel]] is typically used in first-person shooters with [[Teams]] - here [[Spawn Points]] are placed so that players [[Spawning]] cannot be attacked directly at that location and thereby creating [[Safe Havens]]. [[Spawning]] may also be used to try and give the appearance of entities emerging from  [[Inaccessible Areas]] into areas where gameplay occurs - this can help provide an [[Illusion of Open Space]] in games.
@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 === Can Be Modulated By ===
 [[Conditional Passageways]],
 [[Cutscenes]],

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 == Using the pattern ==
-There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and hindering [[Movement]] or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements (most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
+There are two typical uses of [[Inaccessible Areas]]: surrounding places to ensure that all gameplay activities take place within this area and hindering [[Movement]] from or into specific parts with within the areas where gameplay activities take place. While [[Levels]] can be both surrounded and populated with [[Inaccessible Areas]], they are also a way to create [[Inaccessible Areas]] since gameplay can easily be constructed so that one cannot reach certain [[Levels]] before meeting some specific requirements (most often completing a goal in the previous [[Levels|Level]]). The same goes for [[Transport Routes]], they can have small pockets of [[Inaccessible Areas]] in them but can also be used to create the [[Transport Routes]] in what would otherwise be a large area with free [[Movement]]. [[Private Game Spaces]] are similar to [[Levels]] in regards to [[Inaccessible Areas]] but here the requirement for other players to enter is typically that have been confirmed as friends to the owning player.
 While [[Inaccessible Areas]] within gameplay areas hinder [[Movement]] they do not have to hinder other types of action. Engaging in [[Dialogues]] or [[Combat]] are two examples, and [[Inaccessible Areas]] allowing the latter can be used to create [[Sniper Locations]]. Another, which is appropriate if players can later get access to the [[Inaccessible Areas]], is simply to let players view what is in them. This can provide [[Traverse]] goals when this reveals things that are useful for gameplay, e.g. [[Resource Locations]].
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 [[Predetermined Story Structures]],
 [[Sniper Locations]],
 [[Strategic Locations]],
 [[Traverse]]
@@ Line 67: / Line 68: @@
 [[Levels]],
 [[Movement]],
-[[Smooth Learning Curves]]
+[[Smooth Learning Curves]],
 === Can Be Instantiated By ===

@@ Line 90: / Line 90: @@
 [[Privileged Movement]],
 [[Quests]],
 [[Spawning]],
 [[Traps]],

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 === Narrative Aspects ===
-[[Inaccessible Areas]] can be used to control the development of [[Narration Structures]], both through [[Environmental Storytelling]] and more traditional presentations of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. Patterns such as [[Quests]] and [[Instances]] can be used to modulate when the areas are accessible and when they are not.
+[[Inaccessible Areas]] can be used to control the development of narration in games, both through [[Environmental Storytelling]] and more traditional presentations of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. Patterns such as [[Quests]] and [[Instances]] can be used to modulate when the areas are accessible and when they are not.
 == Consequences ==
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 [[Levels]],
 [[Movement]],
 [[Smooth Learning Curves]]