Objectives
Objectives serve multiple essential functions in games:
Providing a reason to engage with the game: Objectives, whether defined by the players themselves or established by the game, act as motivating factors that encourage players to launch and continue playing. As long as compelling objectives remain available, players are likely to remain engaged with the game.
Affecting the game’s level of difficulty: The number and complexity of win conditions directly impact the overall difficulty of the game. The more win conditions players are required to fulfill, the more challenging the gameplay becomes.
Significantly influencing total playtime: The quantity and variety of objectives, especially those of differing levels of importance, have a direct effect on how long it takes to complete the game. Additionally, when objectives—whether short-term or long-term—are particularly challenging, the time required to accomplish them increases, thus extending the overall duration of gameplay.
The following guidelines are outlined in this chapter:
Provide Players with a Range of Objectives
Explore the types of objectives that can be offered to players to guide their gameplay experience.
Allow Players to Define Their Own Objectives
Understand the considerations involved in enabling players to set their own goals within the game.
Offer Players a Variety of Game Modes
Discover the different types of game modes that can be presented to enhance player engagement.
Assign Objectives of Varying Significance
Learn about the importance of primary and secondary objectives, and why players benefit from having both.
Include Objectives That Require Different Amounts of Time to Complete
Understand the role of long-term and short-term objectives, and why both are essential to a well-balanced gameplay experience.
Define Objectives with Clear Win Conditions
Examine what constitutes a win condition and the various forms it can take within a game.