Difference between revisions of "Controllers"

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[[Category:Patterns]]
 
[[Category:Patterns]]
 
[[Category:Game Element Patterns]]
 
[[Category:Game Element Patterns]]
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[[Category:Level Design Patterns]]
 
[[Category:Needs work]]
 
[[Category:Needs work]]
 
[[Category:Needs revision]]
 
[[Category:Needs revision]]
 
[[Category:Needs examples]]
 
[[Category:Needs examples]]
 
[[Category:Needs references]]
 
[[Category:Needs references]]
[[Category:Patterns created on the Wiki]]
 
[[Category:Stub]]
 
[[Category:Staffan's current workpage]]
 
 
''Game elements fixed in particular locations in Game Worlds that allow actions or events not possible elsewhere.''
 
''Game elements fixed in particular locations in Game Worlds that allow actions or events not possible elsewhere.''
  
=== Examples ===
+
While players typically have access to a certain set of actions besides moving while exploring game worlds, the items that can be found within the worlds can provide additional actions. [[Controllers]] are items that do this but cannot be moved, thereby forcing players to be at specific positions in order to be able to use these actions.
First-person shooters, such as Quake, often have doors that have to be opened through activating Controllers.
+
  
The cannons in Super Mario 64 are Controllers that allow Mario to reach areas otherwise inaccessible by shooting himself from a cannon.
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=== Examples ===
 +
[[:Category:FPS Games|First-person shooters]], such as the [[Doom series|Doom]] or [[Quake series]], often have doors that have to be opened through activating [[Controllers]]. Abstract [[Controllers]] can be found in [[Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory]] as players can construct bridges, command centers, and towers in certain places.
  
Abstract Controllers can be found in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory as players can construct bridges, command centers, and towers in certain places.
+
Mounted weapons found in [[Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory]], the [[Left 4 Dead series]], and the [[Battlefield series]] are all examples of [[Controllers]] that provide players with increased firepower at specific locations. The cannons in [[Super Mario 64]] are also [[Controllers]], but in this case have the more peaceful ability to allow Mario reach areas otherwise inaccessible by shooting himself from them.
  
 
== Using the pattern ==
 
== Using the pattern ==
Controllers share many design possibilities with Tools. After choosing what Privileged Abilities the Controllers support, a game designer has to decide which Units or Avatars can use the Controller, any specific skills that are needed, and any Resources the Controller might consume. However, Controllers differ in some respects from Tools. First, they are public in the sense that they are stationary, and whoever is near it can activate it (unless specific skills or resources are needed). This means that any Gain Ownership goals related to the Controllers are linked to controlling the game area. Second, they may need Tools to be activated besides any requirements on skills and Resources. Third, as they often are presented as part of a large machine or system, they often can affect something outside the usual reach of Units' or Avatars' actions without breaking the Consistent Reality Logic of the game. The activation of Controllers can often be the completion of a goal or a Level. Further, the actions can be both Extended Actions (requiring the constant activation of a player) and Ultra-Powerful Events (for example when activating Moveable Tiles).
+
Two main types of [[Controllers]] exist: [[Switches]] that set events in motion when activated and [[Installations]] that provide players with [[New Abilities|New]] or [[Improved Abilities]]. Examples of effects started by [[Switches]] include opening [[Conditional Passageways]], finishing [[Levels]], or initiating [[Quick Travel]]. [[Switches]] may also affect [[Environmental Effects]] if their geographical spread are fixed, otherwise affecting them are more probably abilities and affected through [[Installations]]. Both types of [[Controllers]] can affect [[Moveable Tiles]], but [[Switches]] are of limited usefulness to control their [[Movement]] rather than just start and stop it.
  
The archetypical type of Controller is a Button. However, Controllers do not have to be tangible game elements, but they can be areas where the construction or destruction of game elements is possible. Examples of this are boxes of construction material, which can be assembled to specific game elements, such as bridges or bases in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory.
+
[[Controllers]] do not have to be tangible game elements and those that are not represents a third type of [[Controllers]]. They can be areas where the [[Construction]] or destruction of game elements are possible, and one examples of this are the boxes of construction material in [[Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory]] which can be assembled to specific game elements, such as bridges or bases.
 +
 
 +
Several options of available for all types of [[Controllers]]: which [[Units]] or [[Avatars]] can use them, are specific [[Skills]] or [[Tools]] are needed to use them, and are [[Resources]] are consumed by using them. Further, using them can require [[Extended Actions]] (e.g. requiring the constant activation of a player), and the effects they cause can be both [[Ultra-Powerful Events]] (for example when activating [[Moveable Tiles]]) and [[Irreversible Events]].
  
 
=== Diegetic Aspects ===
 
=== Diegetic Aspects ===
 +
As [[Controllers]] are often presented as large machines or systems, or the control panels for these, they can affect parts of a [[Game Boards|Game Board]], [[Game Worlds|Game World]], or [[Levels|Level]] out of the usual reach of [[Units]] or [[Avatars]] without breaking [[Thematic Consistency]].
  
 
=== Interface Aspects ===
 
=== Interface Aspects ===
 +
Some [[Controllers]], especially [[Installations]], may switch players' interfaces to better help support the activities and actions they provide. This may be changing [[HUD Interfaces]] or switching from [[First-Person Views]] to [[Third-Person Views]] or vice versa. Examples of both of these possibilities exist in the [[Battlefield series]]. [[Half-Life 2]] does the same, and has a magnetic crane which provides a different view point for players since the scale it works on is different from the normal one in the game.
  
 
=== Narrative Aspects ===
 
=== Narrative Aspects ===
 +
Compared to [[Tools]], [[Controllers]] (and especially [[Switches]]) let game designers structure where and when players can perform actions which functionally for them are [[New Abilities]]. This can be used to progress [[Predetermined Story Structures]] and when [[Controllers]] are used in this way their effects are typically both [[Irreversible Events]] and [[Ultra-Powerful Events]]. One example of this is that the activation of [[Controllers]] can often be the completion of goals, [[Quests]], or [[Levels]].
  
 
== Consequences ==
 
== Consequences ==
Controllers are natural Strategic Locations since Area Control over the location gives players or teams access to actions that otherwise may not be performed. In addition, as they are an integral part of the Game World and thus linked to its structure, the actions they provide, including Ultra-Powerful Events, usually have greater effects than mere Tools.
+
[[Controllers]] gives players or [[Teams]] access to [[New Abilities]], quite often [[Privileged Abilities]], when their [[Units]] or [[Avatars]] are near them. They are natural [[Strategic Locations]] in [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] since having access to their [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] may require [[Area Control]] and this can spawn goals of [[Gain Ownership]]. [[Controllers]] that are [[Resource Generators]] provide a way to have [[Renewable Resources]] in games and create [[Resource Locations]].  
  
Controllers that are Resource Generators provide a way to have Renewable Resources in games and create Resource Locations in Game Worlds. Other Controllers are simply Obstacles that allow players to perform actions to remove them.
+
While providing [[New Abilities]] can make [[Controllers]] give players [[Exaggerated Perception of Influence]] and a greater [[Freedom of Choice]], both these patterns most clearly materialize when the [[Controllers]] are used to make [[Quests]] be completed.
  
== Relations ==
+
As mentioned above, [[Controllers]] can depending on their design modulate [[Alarms]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Conditional Passageways]], [[Levels]], or [[Quick Travel]].
[[Alarms]]
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[[Extended Actions]]
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[[Levels]]
+
[[Tools]]
+
[[Installations]]
+
[[Obstacles]]
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[[Switches]]
+
  
 +
== Relations ==
 
=== Can Instantiate ===
 
=== Can Instantiate ===
 +
[[Area Control]],
 +
[[Construction]],
 +
[[Exaggerated Perception of Influence]],
 +
[[Freedom of Choice]],
 +
[[Gain Ownership]],
 +
[[Improved Abilities]],
 +
[[Irreversible Events]],
 +
[[Location-Fixed Abilities]],
 +
[[New Abilities]],
 +
[[Predetermined Story Structures]],
 +
[[Privileged Abilities]],
 +
[[Strategic Locations]],
 +
[[Thematic Consistency]],
 +
[[Ultra-Powerful Events]]
  
==== with ... ====
+
==== with [[Resource Generators]] ====
 +
[[Renewable Resources]],
 +
[[Resource Locations]]
  
 
=== Can Modulate ===
 
=== Can Modulate ===
 +
[[Alarms]],
 +
[[Avatars]],
 +
[[Conditional Passageways]],
 +
[[Environmental Effects]],
 +
[[Game Boards]],
 +
[[Game Worlds]],
 +
[[HUD Interfaces]],
 +
[[Levels]],
 +
[[Moveable Tiles]],
 +
[[Quests]],
 +
[[Quick Travel]],
 +
[[Units]]
  
 
=== Can Be Instantiated By ===
 
=== Can Be Instantiated By ===
 +
[[Installations]],
 +
[[Switches]]
  
 
=== Can Be Modulated By ===
 
=== Can Be Modulated By ===
 +
[[Extended Actions]],
 +
[[Resource Generators]],
 +
[[Resources]],
 +
[[Skills]],
 +
[[Tools]]
  
 
=== Possible Closure Effects ===
 
=== Possible Closure Effects ===
 +
-
  
 
=== Potentially Conflicting With ===
 
=== Potentially Conflicting With ===
 +
-
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Latest revision as of 13:36, 21 July 2016

Game elements fixed in particular locations in Game Worlds that allow actions or events not possible elsewhere.

While players typically have access to a certain set of actions besides moving while exploring game worlds, the items that can be found within the worlds can provide additional actions. Controllers are items that do this but cannot be moved, thereby forcing players to be at specific positions in order to be able to use these actions.

Examples

First-person shooters, such as the Doom or Quake series, often have doors that have to be opened through activating Controllers. Abstract Controllers can be found in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory as players can construct bridges, command centers, and towers in certain places.

Mounted weapons found in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, the Left 4 Dead series, and the Battlefield series are all examples of Controllers that provide players with increased firepower at specific locations. The cannons in Super Mario 64 are also Controllers, but in this case have the more peaceful ability to allow Mario reach areas otherwise inaccessible by shooting himself from them.

Using the pattern

Two main types of Controllers exist: Switches that set events in motion when activated and Installations that provide players with New or Improved Abilities. Examples of effects started by Switches include opening Conditional Passageways, finishing Levels, or initiating Quick Travel. Switches may also affect Environmental Effects if their geographical spread are fixed, otherwise affecting them are more probably abilities and affected through Installations. Both types of Controllers can affect Moveable Tiles, but Switches are of limited usefulness to control their Movement rather than just start and stop it.

Controllers do not have to be tangible game elements and those that are not represents a third type of Controllers. They can be areas where the Construction or destruction of game elements are possible, and one examples of this are the boxes of construction material in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory which can be assembled to specific game elements, such as bridges or bases.

Several options of available for all types of Controllers: which Units or Avatars can use them, are specific Skills or Tools are needed to use them, and are Resources are consumed by using them. Further, using them can require Extended Actions (e.g. requiring the constant activation of a player), and the effects they cause can be both Ultra-Powerful Events (for example when activating Moveable Tiles) and Irreversible Events.

Diegetic Aspects

As Controllers are often presented as large machines or systems, or the control panels for these, they can affect parts of a Game Board, Game World, or Level out of the usual reach of Units or Avatars without breaking Thematic Consistency.

Interface Aspects

Some Controllers, especially Installations, may switch players' interfaces to better help support the activities and actions they provide. This may be changing HUD Interfaces or switching from First-Person Views to Third-Person Views or vice versa. Examples of both of these possibilities exist in the Battlefield series. Half-Life 2 does the same, and has a magnetic crane which provides a different view point for players since the scale it works on is different from the normal one in the game.

Narrative Aspects

Compared to Tools, Controllers (and especially Switches) let game designers structure where and when players can perform actions which functionally for them are New Abilities. This can be used to progress Predetermined Story Structures and when Controllers are used in this way their effects are typically both Irreversible Events and Ultra-Powerful Events. One example of this is that the activation of Controllers can often be the completion of goals, Quests, or Levels.

Consequences

Controllers gives players or Teams access to New Abilities, quite often Privileged Abilities, when their Units or Avatars are near them. They are natural Strategic Locations in Game Worlds and Levels since having access to their Location-Fixed Abilities may require Area Control and this can spawn goals of Gain Ownership. Controllers that are Resource Generators provide a way to have Renewable Resources in games and create Resource Locations.

While providing New Abilities can make Controllers give players Exaggerated Perception of Influence and a greater Freedom of Choice, both these patterns most clearly materialize when the Controllers are used to make Quests be completed.

As mentioned above, Controllers can depending on their design modulate Alarms, Environmental Effects, Conditional Passageways, Levels, or Quick Travel.

Relations

Can Instantiate

Area Control, Construction, Exaggerated Perception of Influence, Freedom of Choice, Gain Ownership, Improved Abilities, Irreversible Events, Location-Fixed Abilities, New Abilities, Predetermined Story Structures, Privileged Abilities, Strategic Locations, Thematic Consistency, Ultra-Powerful Events

with Resource Generators

Renewable Resources, Resource Locations

Can Modulate

Alarms, Avatars, Conditional Passageways, Environmental Effects, Game Boards, Game Worlds, HUD Interfaces, Levels, Moveable Tiles, Quests, Quick Travel, Units

Can Be Instantiated By

Installations, Switches

Can Be Modulated By

Extended Actions, Resource Generators, Resources, Skills, Tools

Possible Closure Effects

-

Potentially Conflicting With

-

History

An updated version of the pattern Controllers that was part of the original collection in the book Patterns in Game Design[1].

References

  1. Björk, S. & Holopainen, J. (2004) Patterns in Game Design. Charles River Media. ISBN1-58450-354-8.

Acknowledgements

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