I've played quite a few video games, and I've tried to come up with an analysis of games themselves which go beyond specific popular genres (e.x. first person shooter games). These are some of the qualities that I've seen that most games have (some of these qualities may be applicable to other types of games, such as board games or sports):

*Aesthetic qualities - These refer to features such as the graphics, music, characters, and storyline. What makes these things "good" or "bad" is somewhat subjective.

*Control - This refers to how the player performs movements or actions in a game. A 2D platformer game where players only move in 4 directions has more precise controls than a 3D racing sim.

*Focus - This refers to what the player has to focus on (generally, their character and their environment). Some games require the player to shift focus more than others (e.x. a real-time strategy game requires more constant focus shifting than a racing game)

*Pace - This refers to the pace at which the player has to perform actions in the game. An arcade SHMP game is a much faster-paced game than a turn-based strategy game (where the player has infinite time to plan their move).

*Progression - Typically, the game gets more challenging as you progress through it (though some games such as RPG games offset this by having your character get stronger or acquire better gear as the game progresses).

*Variables - These refer to things which affect how the game plays out. Some games have more variables to consider (e.x. the character's stats in an RPG game are variables that effect the outcome of a battle, while a game such as a 2D platformer game where the character's stats don't change through the game has fewer variables to consider).

Edited September 17, 20241 yr by Night FM

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Moderator Note

Not sure why this is in the Lounge, or even what the discussion is supposed to be. You’re just listing characteristics of games. Are you asking if anyone can think of more characteristics?

 

6 hours ago, swansont said:

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Moderator Note

Not sure why this is in the Lounge, or even what the discussion is supposed to be. You’re just listing characteristics of games. Are you asking if anyone can think of more characteristics?

 

Yes. And I'm not sure what the appropriate forum for this topic is.

Edited September 17, 20241 yr by Night FM

1 hour ago, Night FM said:

Yes. And I'm not sure what the appropriate forum for this topic is.

It’s called a blog