What Makes a Good Level Up System?

Summary

This video script explores the concept of 'leveling up' in gaming, discussing its broad application across genres and its dual nature as both a useful abstraction and a potentially dangerous tool if misused. It delves into the design of effective leveling systems, contrasting intrinsic and extrinsic progression. The script examines various games' approaches, from basic EXP systems in Pokemon to complex skill trees in Spider-Man, emphasizing the importance of player agency and tangible progress to keep games engaging and fun.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The term 'Level Up' is deeply ingrained in gaming culture, originating from tabletop RPGs and now prevalent across various video game genres.
• 🚀 Leveling up is an abstraction of personal progress that, while unrealistic, serves as a useful tool for indicating character growth in video games.
• 🔄 Leveling systems are tools that can be utilized effectively but can also be misused or become less effective without proper design.
• 🌟 The concept of progression is crucial for sustaining game interest and can manifest in various forms such as narrative, exploration, or difficulty.
• 🧠 Intrinsic progression refers to self-driven improvements by the player, like in games like Chess, Rocket League, and StarCraft, where experience builds over time.
• 📈 Extrinsic progression is about structured goals set by the game, such as leveling up to unlock new abilities, which can be easier to implement and appeal to a wider audience.
• 🛠️ Basic leveling systems like in Pokemon provide a simple model of progression where experience leads to noticeable character improvement.
• 🔄 Some games like Final Fantasy IX and Lost Odyssey offer complex leveling systems that allow for more customization and strategic character development.
• 💡 Giving players agency in character progression, such as through point allocation or skill trees, can enhance engagement and replayability.
• 🌐 Leveling systems can be combined with other progression elements like story advancement or token collection to create a rich tapestry of player growth.
• ⚔️ Risk and reward elements, such as the Souls series' system where lost progress can be permanently lost, can add depth and excitement to leveling up.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'Level Up' in gaming?

The term 'Level Up' is significant in gaming as it represents a noticeable and sudden improvement in a character's abilities, making it a useful abstraction for personal progress and growth within a game.

How has the concept of leveling up been adapted across different game genres?

The concept of leveling up has been adapted across various genres such as action, puzzle, open-world, first-person shooters, and platformers, often in different forms to fit each genre's unique gameplay.

Why is the idea of leveling up considered unrealistic in terms of personal progress?

Leveling up is considered unrealistic because it represents a discrete and sudden improvement, which does not align with the gradual and continuous nature of real-world skill development.

What are the two categories of progression mentioned in the script, and how do they differ?

The two categories of progression are Intrinsic and Extrinsic. Intrinsic progression involves self-driven improvements based on accumulated experience, while Extrinsic progression is driven by external structures like goals or rewards provided by the game.

Can you provide an example of a game that relies on intrinsic progression?

Games like Chess, Rocket League, StarCraft, and many fighting games rely on intrinsic progression, where players improve through accumulated experience and strategic knowledge.

What challenges does intrinsic progression pose for new players?

Intrinsic progression can be brutal for beginners as it requires a significant amount of time to build skills and experience, which can lead to a feeling of stagnation and discouragement if they are consistently matched against more experienced players.

How does extrinsic progression help guarantee a feeling of progression for all players?

Extrinsic progression provides a structured path with set goals and rewards, ensuring that players see tangible improvements and benefits regardless of their skill level or understanding of the game mechanics.

What is the basic mechanism of a leveling system as described in the script?

A basic leveling system involves gaining experience points by defeating enemies or completing tasks, which leads to leveling up and receiving improvements in character abilities or attributes.

How does the leveling system in Pokemon exemplify a traditional leveling system?

In Pokemon, the leveling system is traditional in that players gain experience by battling, level up their Pokemon, and see improvements in their stats. Occasionally, Pokemon learn new moves or evolve, providing a more engaging progression path.

What are some ways to make leveling systems less predictable and more engaging?

Ways to make leveling systems more engaging include giving players agency in how they build their characters through point allocation or skill trees, ensuring a steady reveal of new abilities or features, and tying progression to narrative or gameplay elements.

How do games like Spider-Man and God of War handle progression to keep it engaging?

Spider-Man and God of War handle progression by using skill trees that allow players to choose new abilities as they level up, ensuring a steady flow of new combat options and preventing any single strategy from dominating gameplay.