Unwinnable Games
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The template proper start below the line.
Games that do not have any winning conditions.
Short paragraph giving the description of the pattern while not referring to any other patterns.
Contents
Examples
Early computer games such as Asteroids and Space Invaders were Unwinnable Games in that gamers were constantly given new obstacles as soon as they overcame their current ones. Pac-Man is designed in the same fashion but the original version has a software bug making it allegedly impossible to complete its 256th level, making it open for interpretation if reaching the highest possible level in a game equals winning over it.
The casual games Staries and Icy Tower are later examples of games that have no winning conditions.
Using the pattern
Text about what to think about when putting the pattern into a design, i.e. possible options. Have links to other patterns mentioned.
The sub headings below should be added if feasible.
Diegetic Aspects
Text about how the pattern relates to diegetic elements of the presentation of the game; primarily useful in mechanical patterns
Interface Aspects
Text about how the pattern relates to interface elements of the game; primarily useful in dynamic patterns
Narrative Aspects
Text about how the pattern relates to diegetic elements; primarily useful in dynamic and maybe aesthetical patterns
Consequences
Unwinnable Games can promote Replayability as long as players have Progress Indicators or can create Meta Games through Trans-Game Information such as Achievements or High Score Lists.
Relations
Instantiates
Gameplay Design Pattern Template , Gameplay Design Pattern Template
Modulates
Gameplay Design Pattern Template , Gameplay Design Pattern Template
Instantiated By
Gameplay Design Pattern Template, Gameplay Design Pattern Template
Modulated By
Gameplay Design Pattern Template, Gameplay Design Pattern Template
Potentially Conflicting With
Gameplay Design Pattern Template, Gameplay Design Pattern Template
History
Document when the pattern was first introduced or created from merging or splitting off an aspect. Reference to paper or other source first mentioned in if applicable.
References
References to external sources.
