Extra Credits

Unlock the secrets to player satisfaction! ???? In our latest exploration, we delve into the Player Hierarchy of Needs, a gaming twist on Maslow's model. From grasping the basic elements of play to the immersive core fantasy, and finally, the external fulfillment that resonates even after you set the controller down. ????️ We'll dive deep into the layers that make or break a gaming experience. ????✨

Journey back to the golden age of tabletop gaming in 2012, witness the rise of board game cafes, and then brace for the industry storm. From the monster that is Amazon to the impact of Magic The Gathering Arena, discover how these factors, along with the recent challenges of COVID lockdowns and supply chain issues, have capsized many cherished game stores.

????️ Join us as we dissect the intricacies faced by game designers in crafting expansive urban environments, from the sweeping vistas of Skyrim to the intricate cityscape of Cyberpunk. You'll uncover the crucial role of landmarks in guiding players through open-world experiences and how they can transform exploration into a captivating journey. ????✨

????️ Ever felt like your gaming progress hit the brakes or went into overdrive without warning? In this video, we unravel the overlooked yet critical concept of V and delta V's Jerk Principle in game systems, exploring how these terms represent velocity and change in velocity and shaping the player experience. From leveling systems in MMOs to weapon balancing in action games, every tweak in Delta V can lead to drastic shifts in gameplay. Join us on this journey to uncover the secrets behind those sudden shifts and balanced gaming progression!

Join us as we delve into the current state of the gaming industry as a flurry of studio closures, job losses, and major tech players are pulling back from their gaming investments, sparking fears of a looming collapse reminiscent of the 1980s. But are we really on the brink of disaster? In this deep dive, we explore the root causes behind the industry's turmoil, from economic shifts to corporate missteps.

Are games losing their creative edge in favor of pandering to nostalgia and IP recognition? With examples like Skeletor in Call of Duty and Marvel sets in Magic, we explore how the industry's focus on brand recognition is eroding the depth and immersion of gaming worlds. Fortnite's success in blending diverse IPs has set a dangerous precedent, where profit trumps artistic integrity but it's not too late to push back against this trend.

Let's explore the cultural nuances shaping game design and gaming experiences. From the tradition of lavish gift-giving in Asia to the tolerance for complexity in Eastern Europe. Cultural perspectives are ever-present and influence a game's mechanics in ways you've never thought of before, and understanding these cultural differences is essential for creating an inclusive gaming experience people can enjoy around the world.

From creating more immersive narratives to adding depth to character interactions, the potential benefits of allowing NPCs to develop relationships of their own is limitless!

Are video games currently cheaper than ever before? From the Atari 2600 era to the digital age, the industry has managed to keep prices steady, even as budgets for AAA titles have soared. But why does it feel like games are more expensive now? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this fascinating paradox in the gaming world!

Did you know that the board game Monopoly—yes, the iconic capitalism simulator—was originally designed to warn against capitalism? Ironically, the game we play today was shaped by the very forces it sought to critique. So how did an anti-capitalist teaching tool transform into a symbol of the system it opposed? From political parodies to endless reskins, Monopoly's journey is as twisted as a game of chance

Did you know the famous psychological experiment, the Iowa Gambling Task, reveals how our brains detect patterns? Participants are given four decks of cards, each containing rewards or penalties, with the goal of winning as much money as possible. The twist? The decks are rigged! Yet participants consciously figured out the trick after about 70 cards, had an inkling by 50, but their bodies showed stress by the 10th card, indicating an unconscious awareness. This phenomenon, known as Thin Slicing, shows our brains can detect patterns quickly, often before we can articulate them. Astonishing result and that is deeply relevant to game design!