What Makes a Game Feel Mysterious?

Summary

In this Game Maker's Toolkit video, Mark Brown explores the art of crafting mystery in video games. He delves into how withholding information, such as locked doors in 'Tunic' or vague rules in 'Rain World', piques curiosity. Brown also discusses the balance between intrigue and confusion, the importance of player discovery, and how 'knowledge-based keys' can deepen engagement. He illustrates how games like 'Outer Wilds' and 'The Witness' encourage exploration and puzzle-solving, ultimately arguing that the joy lies in the journey of uncovering secrets rather than the secrets themselves.

Takeaways

• 🌌 The sense of mystery in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can make experiences memorable by leaving players curious about the unknown.
• 🚪 A quintessential element of mystery in games is the locked door, which compels players to wonder what lies beyond and how to unlock it.
• 🧠 Mental load is a critical factor in game design; too many mysteries or locked doors can overwhelm players and detract from the experience.
• 🎮 Concealing game rules can create a sense of mystery, as seen in games like Rain World, where players must figure out mechanics through experience rather than explicit tutorials.
• 🏞️ The landscape of a game can be a source of mystery, with areas that are uncharted and leave players questioning what they might find.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Players enjoy the curiosity and speculation that come from mysteries, but game designers must balance this with the need for players to feel capable of solving them.
• 🔮 Knowledge-based progression, where players must find 'keys' in the form of information or abilities, can be a satisfying way to advance in a game.
• 🤔 The most compelling mysteries in games are often those that players aren't even aware they can solve, such as hidden puzzles in The Witness.
• 🎉 The resolution of a mystery in a game can be less important than the journey to solve it, as the process of discovery is often the most enjoyable part.
• 👥 Collaboration can enhance the sense of mystery in games, as seen in Animal Well, where players must work together to solve complex puzzles.

Q & A

What is the significance of the blood moon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The blood moon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a mechanic that stops the player in their tracks and resets all the enemies in the world. It adds to the game's sense of mystery and intrigue.

What does the locked door in video games symbolize according to the script?

A locked door in video games symbolizes mystery because it leaves players to wonder what's behind it and how they can open it, creating a sense of curiosity and speculation.

What is the role of curiosity and speculation in creating a sense of mystery in games?

Curiosity and speculation play a crucial role in creating a sense of mystery in games by providing players with unresolved questions that they are eager to explore and answer.

How can having too many mysteries in a game be overwhelming for players?

Having too many mysteries in a game can be overwhelming for players because each mystery adds to their mental load, and they may feel swamped by the secrets, making the game less enjoyable.

What is the impact of concealing the rules of a game on the player's experience?

Concealing the rules of a game can make the player's experience more mysterious and engaging, as it encourages them to explore and experiment to understand the game mechanics.

How does the game Rain World use vagueness to create a sense of mystery?

Rain World uses vagueness to create a sense of mystery by deliberately leaving many aspects of the game unexplained, simulating the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land.

What is the importance of balance when it comes to designing mysterious landscapes in games?

The importance of balance when designing mysterious landscapes in games is to provide an interesting world to explore without causing the player to become lost and confused.

How can a game's narrative contribute to the sense of mystery?

A game's narrative can contribute to the sense of mystery by posing tantalizing questions and promising to answer them by the end of the game, turning the entire game into one long mystery.

What is the concept of 'knowledge-based keys' in video games?

The concept of 'knowledge-based keys' in video games refers to unlocking progress not by finding physical keys or abilities but by gaining knowledge and understanding through clues and information found in the game.

How can the satisfaction of solving a mystery in a game be enhanced?

The satisfaction of solving a mystery in a game can be enhanced by making the player actively participate in discovering the answers through exploration, observation, puzzle-solving, or collaboration with others.

What is the potential downside of using repeating templates in game design?

The potential downside of using repeating templates in game design is that it can rob the player of the sense of mystery by allowing them to predict the answers to questions before they've even had a chance to answer them.