Obstacles - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 13:40, 26 March 2018

2018-03-26T13:40:28Z

Staffan Björk at 13:38, 26 March 2018

2018-03-26T13:38:43Z

Staffan Björk at 09:49, 29 August 2016

2016-08-29T09:49:10Z

Staffan Björk at 13:45, 21 July 2016

2016-07-21T13:45:51Z

Staffan Björk at 08:04, 8 August 2015

2015-08-08T08:04:44Z

Staffan Björk at 07:19, 3 August 2015

2015-08-03T07:19:43Z

Staffan Björk at 12:12, 9 September 2011

2011-09-09T12:12:44Z

Staffan Björk at 13:19, 5 September 2011

2011-09-05T13:19:43Z

Staffan Björk: /* Using the pattern */

2011-08-30T14:01:47Z

‎Using the pattern

Staffan Björk: /* Can Instantiate */

2011-08-30T14:01:25Z

‎Can Instantiate

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 === Diegetic Aspects ===
 If [[Obstacles]] are placed so they only become apparent when they are close, typically through a combination of high speed and turning corners, they give rise to [[Surprises]].
 In games building their gameplay extensively on [[Rhythm-Based Actions]], [[Obstacles]] are sometimes used as diegetic game elements that provide collisions between them and the players' [[Avatars]] as thematic explanations for the failures.
@@ Line 43: / Line 39: @@
 Skillful players may be able to bypass more than one [[Obstacles|Obstacle]] at the same time or without requiring more [[Resources]] than if the [[Obstacles]] were not present. This is an expression of [[Gameplay Mastery]] made possible by, depending on the nature of the [[Obstacles]], players [[Timing]] their actions (e.g. moving between moving objects), them performing [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] (e.g. avoiding stationary objects and other vehicles when driving), or by succeeding with [[Puzzle Solving]] (e.g. finding the most cost efficient route).
 == Relations ==

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 === Diegetic Aspects ===
-In games building their gameplay extensively on [[Rhythm-Based Actions]], [[Obstacles]] are sometimes used as diegetic game elements that provide collisions between them and the players' [[Avatars]] as thematic explanations for the failures.
+[[Obstacles]] are basic building elements for [[Hiding Places]] since they
-If [[Obstacles]] are placed so they only become apparent when they are closed, typically through a combination of high speed and turning corners, they give rise to [[Surprises]].
 == Consequences ==
-[[Obstacles]] create [[Movement Limitations]] in how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can perform [[Movement]] or [[Maneuvering]] in [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], or [[Levels]]. They also affect [[Aim & Shoot]] since they can block [[Line of Sight]], and this can make places with a view over the area worse as [[Sniper Locations]] while making the places themselves better as [[Sniper Locations]]. They can also force players to perform [[Leaps of Faith]] since they may not be able to see the areas they are moving into (this most often occurs with [[Movement]] such as [[Jumping]] or teleporting instead of "ordinary" [[Movement]]). The [[Obstacles]] that are created by [[Environmental Effects]] and that provide [[Ability Losses]], [[Decreased Abilities]], or [[Damage]] do instead raise [[Risk/Reward]] considerations. By having these effects, they naturally are [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] even if this can be enhanced by their visual presentation. Depending on the size of the [[Obstacles]], they can also make [[Game World Exploration]], [[Game World Navigation]], and [[Traverse]] difficult simply because they can make it difficult to get an overview of one's surroundings. By using these features and being placed strategically, [[Obstacles]] can modulate [[Movement]] to offer [[Challenging Gameplay]] by creating [[Choke Points]]. When the [[Obstacles]] block the [[Choke Points]] rather than define them but can be removed in some fashion, this instead creates [[Conditional Passageways]] and [[Eliminate]] goals if the [[Obstacles]] are [[Destructible Objects]]. Intentionally or not, [[Obstacles]] can create [[Secret Areas]] by occluding them.
+[[Obstacles]] create [[Movement Limitations]] in how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can perform [[Movement]] or [[Maneuvering]] in [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], or [[Levels]]. They can also affect [[Aim & Shoot]] since they can block [[Line of Sight]] if they are not transparent, and this can make places with a view over the area worse as [[Sniper Locations]] while making the places themselves better as [[Sniper Locations]]. They can also force players to perform [[Leaps of Faith]] since they may not be able to see the areas they are moving into (this most often occurs with [[Movement]] such as [[Jumping]] or teleporting instead of "ordinary" [[Movement]]). The [[Obstacles]] that are created by [[Environmental Effects]] and that provide [[Ability Losses]], [[Decreased Abilities]], or [[Damage]] do instead raise [[Risk/Reward]] considerations. By having these effects, they naturally are [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] even if this can be enhanced by their visual presentation. Depending on the size of the [[Obstacles]], they can also make [[Game World Exploration]], [[Game World Navigation]], and [[Traverse]] difficult simply because they can make it difficult to get an overview of one's surroundings. By using these features and being placed strategically, [[Obstacles]] can modulate [[Movement]] to offer [[Challenging Gameplay]] by creating [[Choke Points]]. When the [[Obstacles]] block the [[Choke Points]] rather than define them but can be removed in some fashion, this instead creates [[Conditional Passageways]] and [[Eliminate]] goals if the [[Obstacles]] are [[Destructible Objects]]. Intentionally or not, [[Obstacles]] can create [[Secret Areas]] by occluding them.
 While all [[Obstacles]] are [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]], the reverse is not true since some game items can be stepped over or onto, or can easily be moved aside. [[Obstacles]] can be [[Surprises]] if they appear suddenly from the players' perspective. When happens, they can effectively be [[Traps]] if collisions can cause [[Damage]] or provide other negative effects. If their appearance are [[Irreversible Events]], they can enforce [[One-Way Travel]] through making retracing ones steps impossible.
@@ Line 46: / Line 50: @@
 [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],
 [[Gameplay Mastery]],
 [[Inaccessible Areas]],
 [[Leaps of Faith]],

@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 [[Gameplay Mastery]],
 [[Inaccessible Areas]],
 [[Movement Limitations]],
 [[Puzzle Solving]],
@@ Line 91: / Line 92: @@
 [[Movement]],
 [[Moveable Tiles]],
 [[Levels]],
 [[Line of Sight]],

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Typically, [[Obstacles]] that do not act as boundaries for [[Inaccessible Areas]] can be avoided by taking longer routes, even if it is simply walking around a boulder or tree. Note that [[Obstacles]] can also be a large areas, for example mountains or chasms. While [[Obstacles]] affect how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can move in [[Game Worlds]], [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can be [[Obstacles]] to each other if they are [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]]. [[Obstacles]] are usually not deadly to [[Avatars]] or [[Units]], but can be so when colliding with them can cause [[Damage]].
-While blocking access to areas or creating detours are probably the most common reasons for placing [[Obstacles]] in [[Game Worlds]] or [[Levels]], but they can also be placed to create [[Transport Routes]] or [[Secret Areas]] simply by making these areas more difficult to notice.
+While blocking access to areas or creating detours are probably the most common reasons for placing [[Obstacles]] in [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], or [[Levels]], but they can also be placed to create [[Transport Routes]] or [[Secret Areas]] simply by making these areas more difficult to notice.
 [[Warp Zones]] have a complex relation to [[Obstacles]]. Having them present from the beginning can invalidate the [[Obstacles]] as hindering [[Movement]] or [[Line of Sight]], but letting players open or create the [[Warp Zones]] during gameplay, as is the characteristic gameplay mechanic in the [[Portal series]], provide the necessary building blocks for creating a spatial form of [[Puzzle Solving]].
@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 == Consequences ==
-[[Obstacles]] create [[Movement Limitations]] in how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can perform [[Movement]] or [[Maneuvering]] in [[Game Worlds]] or [[Levels]]. They also affect [[Aim & Shoot]] since they can block [[Line of Sight]], and this can make places with a view over the area worse as [[Sniper Locations]] while making the places themselves better as [[Sniper Locations]]. They can also force players to perform [[Leaps of Faith]] since they may not be able to see the areas they are moving into (this most often occurs with [[Movement]] such as [[Jumping]] or teleporting instead of "ordinary" [[Movement]]). The [[Obstacles]] that are created by [[Environmental Effects]] and that provide [[Ability Losses]], [[Decreased Abilities]], or [[Damage]] do instead raise [[Risk/Reward]] considerations. By having these effects, they naturally are [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] even if this can be enhanced by their visual presentation. Depending on the size of the [[Obstacles]], they can also make [[Game World Exploration]], [[Game World Navigation]], and [[Traverse]] difficult simply because they can make it difficult to get an overview of one's surroundings. By using these features and being placed strategically, [[Obstacles]] can modulate [[Movement]] to offer [[Challenging Gameplay]] by creating [[Choke Points]]. When the [[Obstacles]] block the [[Choke Points]] rather than define them but can be removed in some fashion, this instead creates [[Conditional Passageways]] and [[Eliminate]] goals if the [[Obstacles]] are [[Destructible Objects]]. Intentionally or not, [[Obstacles]] can create [[Secret Areas]] by occluding them.
+[[Obstacles]] create [[Movement Limitations]] in how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can perform [[Movement]] or [[Maneuvering]] in [[Game Boards]], [[Game Worlds]], or [[Levels]]. They also affect [[Aim & Shoot]] since they can block [[Line of Sight]], and this can make places with a view over the area worse as [[Sniper Locations]] while making the places themselves better as [[Sniper Locations]]. They can also force players to perform [[Leaps of Faith]] since they may not be able to see the areas they are moving into (this most often occurs with [[Movement]] such as [[Jumping]] or teleporting instead of "ordinary" [[Movement]]). The [[Obstacles]] that are created by [[Environmental Effects]] and that provide [[Ability Losses]], [[Decreased Abilities]], or [[Damage]] do instead raise [[Risk/Reward]] considerations. By having these effects, they naturally are [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]] even if this can be enhanced by their visual presentation. Depending on the size of the [[Obstacles]], they can also make [[Game World Exploration]], [[Game World Navigation]], and [[Traverse]] difficult simply because they can make it difficult to get an overview of one's surroundings. By using these features and being placed strategically, [[Obstacles]] can modulate [[Movement]] to offer [[Challenging Gameplay]] by creating [[Choke Points]]. When the [[Obstacles]] block the [[Choke Points]] rather than define them but can be removed in some fashion, this instead creates [[Conditional Passageways]] and [[Eliminate]] goals if the [[Obstacles]] are [[Destructible Objects]]. Intentionally or not, [[Obstacles]] can create [[Secret Areas]] by occluding them.
 While all [[Obstacles]] are [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]], the reverse is not true since some game items can be stepped over or onto, or can easily be moved aside. [[Obstacles]] can be [[Surprises]] if they appear suddenly from the players' perspective. When happens, they can effectively be [[Traps]] if collisions can cause [[Damage]] or provide other negative effects. If their appearance are [[Irreversible Events]], they can enforce [[One-Way Travel]] through making retracing ones steps impossible.
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 [[Challenging Gameplay]],
 [[Destructible Objects]],
 [[Game World Exploration]],
 [[Game World Navigation]],

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 While all [[Obstacles]] are [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]], the reverse is not true since some game items can be stepped over or onto, or can easily be moved aside. [[Obstacles]] can be [[Surprises]] if they appear suddenly from the players' perspective. When happens, they can effectively be [[Traps]] if collisions can cause [[Damage]] or provide other negative effects. If their appearance are [[Irreversible Events]], they can enforce [[One-Way Travel]] through making retracing ones steps impossible.
-Skillful players may be able to bypass more than one [[Obstacles|Obstacle]] at the same time or without requiring more [[Resources]] than if the [[Obstacles]] were not present. This is an expression of [[Game Mastery]] made possible by, depending on the nature of the [[Obstacles]], players [[Timing]] their actions (e.g. moving between moving objects), them performing [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] (e.g. avoiding stationary objects and other vehicles when driving), or by succeeding with [[Puzzle Solving]] (e.g. finding the most cost efficient route).
+Skillful players may be able to bypass more than one [[Obstacles|Obstacle]] at the same time or without requiring more [[Resources]] than if the [[Obstacles]] were not present. This is an expression of [[Gameplay Mastery]] made possible by, depending on the nature of the [[Obstacles]], players [[Timing]] their actions (e.g. moving between moving objects), them performing [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] (e.g. avoiding stationary objects and other vehicles when driving), or by succeeding with [[Puzzle Solving]] (e.g. finding the most cost efficient route).
 == Relations ==
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 [[Dexterity-Based Actions]],
 [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],
-[[Game Mastery]],
+[[Gameplay Mastery]],
 [[Inaccessible Areas]],
 [[Movement Limitations]],

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Typically, [[Obstacles]] that do not act as boundaries for [[Inaccessible Areas]] can be avoided by taking longer routes, even if it is simply walking around a boulder or tree. Note that [[Obstacles]] can also be a large areas, for example mountains or chasms. While [[Obstacles]] affect how [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can move in [[Game Worlds]], [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] can be [[Obstacles]] to each other if they are [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]]. [[Obstacles]] are usually not deadly to [[Avatars]] or [[Units]], but can be so when colliding with them can cause [[Damage]].
-While blocking access to areas or creating detours are probably the most common reasons for placing [[Obstacles]] in [[Game Worlds]] or [[Levels]], but they can also be placed to create [[Secret Areas]] simply by making them difficulty to notice.
+While blocking access to areas or creating detours are probably the most common reasons for placing [[Obstacles]] in [[Game Worlds]] or [[Levels]], but they can also be placed to create [[Transport Routes]] or [[Secret Areas]] simply by making these areas more difficult to notice.
 [[Warp Zones]] have a complex relation to [[Obstacles]]. Having them present from the beginning can invalidate the [[Obstacles]] as hindering [[Movement]] or [[Line of Sight]], but letting players open or create the [[Warp Zones]] during gameplay, as is the characteristic gameplay mechanic in the [[Portal series]], provide the necessary building blocks for creating a spatial form of [[Puzzle Solving]].
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 [[Secret Areas]],
 [[Surprises]],
-[[Timing]]
+[[Timing]],
 ==== with [[Choke Points]] ====

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 [[Obstacles]] are most often created by making sufficiently large [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]]. These may any type of [[Game Items]], but [[Cosmetic Game Items]] and [[Props]] are examples that will be primarily experienced as [[Obstacles]] since they have little or no other effects on gameplay. [[Installations]] are worth pointing out in that they are naturally immobile while [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] are also worth pointing since they are highly mobile. A weaker form [[Obstacles]], where the shortest route can still be taken but is not as efficient as taking a circumstantial route, can be created by [[Environmental Effects]] that give [[Movement Limitations]]; using [[Damage]] or [[Decreased Abilities]] provide weaker examples still since they do not actually hinder [[Movement]] but make passing through them into [[Risk/Reward]] considerations. [[Invisible Walls]] are also [[Obstacles]] but these may not even be noticed by players if they follow the routes intended by game designers. While [[Obstacles]] can be used in any type of areas, they can in general challenge players more in [[Vehicle Sections]] since higher speed are likely there.
-The choice of [[Obstacles]] determines how players can bypass it, if at all. [[Privileged Movement]] that lets players ignore them while still maintaining their status as [[Obstacles]] to others. Making them [[Destructible Objects]] provides players with options of [[Game Element Removal]] by [[Damage|Damaging]] them - being able to do this can be a form of [[Privileged Abilities]]. However, any kind of [[Destructible Objects|Destructible Object]] can result in [[Obstacles]] being created when it is destroyed, so the two patterns can be used to modify each other. Having [[Moveable Tiles]] as [[Obstacles]] make bypassing them a question of waiting or [[Timing]]. While [[Moveable Tiles]] can be [[Obstacles]] they can also be modulated by [[Obstacles]] if they can be used to change the movement direction of the [[Tiles]].
+The choice of [[Obstacles]] determines how players can bypass it, if at all. [[Privileged Movement]] that lets players ignore them while still maintaining their status as [[Obstacles]] to others. Making them [[Destructible Objects]] provides players with options of [[Game Element Removal]] by [[Damage|Damaging]] them - being able to do this can be a form of [[Privileged Abilities]]. However, any kind of [[Destructible Objects|Destructible Object]] can result in [[Obstacles]] being created when it is destroyed, so the two patterns can be used to modify each other. Having [[Moveable Tiles]] as [[Obstacles]] make bypassing them a question of waiting or [[Timing]]. While [[Moveable Tiles]] can be [[Obstacles]] they can also be modulated by [[Obstacles]] if they can be used to change the movement direction of the [[Tiles]], and this creates a form of [[Indirect Control]].
 [[Obstacles]] that are [[Conditional Passageways]] blocking the way to [[Inaccessible Areas]] are often linked to [[Controllers]] that can remove them; the [[Controllers]] can either simply be [[Switches]] that need to be found or be game elements that need specific [[Resources]] or [[Tools]] (e.g. keys or key cards). Another option is to give players [[Privileged Abilities]] to ignore the [[Obstacles]]. If the [[Obstacles]] can be removed by players that have reached the far side of them, the [[Conditional Passageways]] provide a way to create [[Quick Returns]].

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ==== with [[Irreversible Events]] ====
 [[One-Way Travel]]
 ==== with [[Movement]] ====