A Critical Thought on Power Curves in Game Design

Summary

In this Game Wisdom video, Josh Spicer explores the concept of power curves in video game design, particularly their role in player progression. He distinguishes between defined forms of power, which alter gameplay, and scaling elements, which increase in effectiveness without changing the player's actions. Spicer emphasizes the importance of maintaining player momentum through hard progression elements, as opposed to scaling elements, which can lead to stagnation. He discusses the challenges of endgame design, where traditional progression curves may falter, and encourages designers to consider alternative progression methods to keep players engaged.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Power curves in video games represent the player's relative abilities or power as they progress through the game.
• 📈 There are two broad categories of progression: player skill improvement and character attribute growth.
• 💪 Power curves are crucial in RPG and action games, motivating players to continue playing by showcasing their increasing strength.
• 🔑 Defined forms of power in games are hard-coded and can drastically alter gameplay, such as unlocking new abilities or moves.
• 🔝 Scaling elements in power curves involve increasing the effectiveness of existing abilities without changing their mechanics.
• 🐀 In MMOs, the power curve is often demonstrated by starting with weak enemies and progressing to more formidable foes.
• 🔄 Clicker games rely on the scaling model of power curves, where repetitive actions yield increasing numerical rewards.
• 🚫 The challenge with scaling power curves is that they can lead to stagnation if the core gameplay doesn't evolve with the increased power.
• 🛑 Games like Diablo 3 face a halt in progression once the player reaches the maximum level, leading to a shift towards gear optimization.
• 🤔 Designers must consider how to maintain player engagement when hard progression elements are exhausted and only scaling remains.
• 🛠 Balancing hard elements in power curves is vital to prevent any single aspect from becoming overpowered and disrupting the game balance.

Q & A

What is a power curve in the context of video game design?

A power curve refers to the player's relative abilities or power as they progress throughout a video game. It encompasses both the player's skill growth and the character's abstracted attributes like health and strength.

How does the power curve motivate players to continue playing a video game?

The power curve motivates players by showing clear progress in their abilities or the character's attributes, such as increasing damage output or acquiring new skills, which makes the gameplay experience more engaging and satisfying.

What are the two broad categories of player growth mentioned in the script?

The two broad categories of player growth are the player's skill improvement, such as learning combos and timing, and the character's abstracted growth, which includes attributes like health and strength that are defined by the game.

What is the difference between defined forms of power and scaling elements in a power curve?

Defined forms of power are elements that radically change or alter the game, such as unlocking new abilities or spells, while scaling elements are attributes that increase in value but do not change the fundamental gameplay, like a sword that does more damage over time.

Why are hard-coded power elements important in game design?

Hard-coded power elements are important because they are fixed and defined by the developer, ensuring a consistent and balanced gameplay experience. They provide a clear path for player progression and are easier to balance within the game's mechanics.

How does the power curve work in MMOs to show player growth?

In MMOs, the power curve is demonstrated by starting players with easy enemies and gradually introducing more challenging foes as the player levels up, showing their growth from a beginner to a powerful character capable of defeating more formidable adversaries.

What challenges does the scaling form of a power curve present in endgame design?

The scaling form of a power curve can lead to a lack of momentum and player engagement in endgame design because the core gameplay doesn't change, only the numbers increase. This can result in players feeling like they are not truly progressing or that their actions are repetitive and unrewarding.

Why are hard upgrades effective in maintaining player interest in a game?

Hard upgrades are effective because they fundamentally change how the game is played, introducing new mechanics or abilities that alter the player's experience and keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

What is an example of a game that struggles with endgame progression due to its power curve?

Diablo 3 is mentioned as an example of a game that struggles with endgame progression. Once players reach the level cap, the focus shifts to gear and item hunting, which can become repetitive as the core gameplay doesn't change significantly.

How does the script suggest game designers can keep players engaged when hard elements of a power curve are exhausted?

The script challenges game designers to think of alternatives to progression beyond hard and scaling elements of a power curve. It suggests that disguising repetition and continuously providing new challenges or experiences can help maintain player engagement.