Choke Points
Areas in game worlds which can be used to block access to other areas.
This pattern is a still a stub.
Contents
Examples
Choke Points are used in maps for many multiplayer First-Person Shooters as they concentrate gameplay activity.
For Team Fortress 2, examples include the tunnel in the Gold Rush map and the blue team's initial exit points in the Dustbowl map.
Using the pattern
Choke Points can be create through designing narrow sections in Game Worlds or Levels that solely or together with just a few other Choke Points provide access between other parts of the Game Worlds or Levels. Alternatively, Inaccessible Areas, Obstacles or Environmental Effects can be used and Environmental Effects can make the use of Choke Points a Tradeoff rather than a requirement. Of course, if several Choke Points exist between the same areas - which makes them into Flanking Routes - then players also have a choice whether to use a particular Choke Point or not. The existence of Flanking Routes may however make locations stop functioning as Choke Points if they always offer easier access to other parts of the Game Worlds.
Consequences
Can Instantiate
Choke Points are Strategic Locations,
Area Control Repeated Domination Strongholds
with Enemies
Can Modulate
Combat, Enemies, Game Worlds, Guard, Levels, Stealth
Relations
Can Instantiate
Area Control Repeated Domination, Selectable Set of Goals, Strategic Locations, Strongholds, Tradeoffs
with Enemies
Can Modulate
Combat, Enemies, Game Worlds, Guard, Levels, Movement, Stealth
Can Be Instantiated By
Inaccessible Areas, Environmental Effects, Obstacles
Can Be Modulated By
Possible Closure Effects
-
Potentially Conflicting With
History
New pattern created in this wiki. However, it was first introduced using another template by Hullett and Whitehead[1], and a more detailed description in this template is available[2].
References
- ↑ Hullett, K. & Whitehead, J. (2010). Design Patterns in FPS Levels, paper presentation at Foundations of Digital Games 2010, June 19-21, Monterey, CA, USA.
- ↑ Choke Point pattern by Kenneth Hullett.
Acknowledgements
Kennart Hullett, Jim Whitehead
