Game Design Blog
Within the readings it goes into detail on the reason why games are generally two to four players; and not three; but also explains how three player games can work. It states that us players don't generally see games that are naturally great 'for three players'.
It is distinctive to why the three player based games don't work well. But three player games can still exist, say if one player is getting close to a victory and then the two other players gang up on that player in the lead. It may be considered unfair to that person in the lead, but it acts as an equilibrium and allows for the other two players to catch up to the current winning player's position and status. So while it is unfair to one person, it still acts as a balancing method without relying on in game events, stats, etc. as much. There are also terms to describe common problems faced with multiplayer games, they include:
But finally, the best way to deal with the three player problem is to make sure players can't do enough to slow/hinder other players greatly. Balance it out so there is an equilibrium, and ensure the game 'is almost entirely positional'.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWeekly blog posts for game studies by Jake Cater. Archives
December 2017
Categories |