Positive Interdependence in Game Mechanics
Research
Built upon the idea that playing a game uses the brain in a similar way to learning (see Raph Koster's A Theory of Fun), I researched and wrote an article on the concept of positive interdependence in cooperative learning and how it applies to cooperative play in game mechanics. Download the article, in either doc or pdf format, on the right. Below is a simplified list of thirteen ways to make more positive play experiences.
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13 Ways to Create a Positive Play Experience
- Rewards and goals are for the entire group, not individuals
- Roles, resources, and tasks should be well-defined but overlap. Sharing is a must between these
- Define boundaries. Red v. Blue is good for team morale
- Minimize oppositional goals. Players should mostly share the same goals, individual and group
- The best players on a team shouldn't be rewarded more than the worst players on a team
- Resource sharing should not be a one-way street, this creates a power struggle
- Everyone needs to know how well they did, in front of the team. No loafing
- Keep team sizes small. Five is a good number
- Allow the game to communicate for the player. Make sure communication is unambiguous
- Keep teams together. Allow people to process wins and losses as a group
- Winning shouldn’t be everything
- Everyone should have a reasonable chance to win
- Victory conditions and strategies should be clear and understandable
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NPC Dialogue
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