The Definition
What is "fun"? Nicole Lazzaro, a game designer, proposes that fun is the act of mastering a problem mentally. "The human brain is mostly a voracious consumer of patterns, a pudgy gray Pac-Man of concepts. Games are just exceptionally tasty patterns to eat up" (Koster, 14).
The Human Brain
Essentially, the human brain loves to learn, and it learns most effectively by recognizing patterns. It simplifies these patterns in "chunks," and recalls them later to solve new problems. Let's say that again.
The human brain:
- Recognizes a pattern.
- Simplifies it into a chunk.
- Recalls chunks to solve a problem.
The Role of Games
Games provide clear, consistent patterns for players to interact with and challenges to solve using these patterns. The "fun" in games comes from the sense of learning unique patterns and the accomplishment players experience as they solve problems.
Impart Something Meaningful
While the fun in games comes from using previously learned patterns to solve new problems, games resonate most with players when they are relatable. Games can become relatable by mirroring the human experience, offering players insights into who they are, for example, presenting them with decisions to understand themselves better and provide perspective on personal challenges. Games that achieve this level of relatability impart meaningful lessons that extend beyond the gameplay experience into real life. Integrating well-crafted artistic elements can significantly enhance these experiences, leaving a lasting impact on the player.
Game designers are responsible for maximizing a games' potential, but games do not need to be everything. Games should offer unique experiences, impact new patterns, reflect the human experience, convey meaningful lessons, and utilize artistic elements to enhance these aspects.