Exploring the "Playability" of Blockchain Games and Influencing Factors Across Dimensions Through a Multidimensional Model
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Exploring the "Playability" of Blockchain Games and Influencing Factors Across Dimensions Through a Multidimensional Model
This article emphasizes the importance of the emotional layer in games, highlighting that game developers need to understand players' emotional needs and design deep, engaging gameplay experiences.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insights"Playability" in blockchain gaming has long been a central topic of industry discussion. We often believe that earlier GameFi games were poorly made and merely survived on the so-called "play-to-earn" model. As a result, two prevailing viewpoints have emerged within the industry:
The first viewpoint emphasizes enhancing playability by developing AAA-grade games. This explains why many VC firms have invested heavily in professional game studios over the past year.
The second viewpoint advocates shifting toward fully on-chain games—embedding game logic directly into smart contracts to achieve decentralization. This approach aims to deliver a gaming experience distinct from both traditional games and GameFi titles, thereby improving composability and playability.
Playability, also known as "gameplay," is arguably one of the most important yet ambiguous terms in gaming. It encompasses nearly every aspect of a game—from basic controls and mechanics to design, narrative, and even players’ emotional responses and experiences. The gaming industry widely acknowledges that playability plays a pivotal role in a game’s success. Critics may claim a game lacks good playability but often struggle to precisely define what it actually means. More importantly, there is no reliable method to guarantee successful implementation of playability. Regardless of which direction blockchain gaming ultimately takes, playability will continue to grow in significance. Thus, understanding and improving a game's "playability" remains a complex and deeply nuanced task.
We attempt to break down the concept of "playability" using a taxonomic approach—examining what it signifies specifically within software contexts. To do this, we employ a multidimensional model composed of four layers, akin to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: the "Usability Layer," the "Game Layer," the "Genre Layer," and the "Emotional Layer."
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Usability Layer: This is the foundational level, covering basic operations and controls. If players cannot easily control the game or find its interface and menus confusing, the game’s "playability" suffers immediately.
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Game Layer: This layer includes core game design elements such as rules, objectives, challenges, and rewards. A highly playable game should feature engaging design that captures and sustains player interest.
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Genre Layer: This level covers genre-specific attributes including theme, story, characters, visual style, and audio design. Different genres appeal to different audiences, making it essential to understand your target demographic and tailor the game accordingly.
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Emotional Layer: The highest tier, encompassing players' emotional reactions and immersive experiences during gameplay. A highly playable game should evoke emotions—excitement, satisfaction, challenge, or deep engagement.
Usability Layer
The bottommost layer is the "Usability Layer." Since a game is fundamentally a piece of software, this layer includes properties such as "learnability" and "memorability." It is critical for playability, forming the foundation upon which players can smoothly enter and enjoy the game.
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Learnability: This is a crucial factor. If players cannot quickly grasp the basic rules and control schemes, they may become confused or frustrated—and potentially quit altogether. Therefore, games should feature intuitive interfaces and clear tutorials to help players get started easily.
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Efficiency: Once players learn the basics, they should be able to play efficiently. Controls must be responsive, the interface clear, and actions easy to execute without unnecessary friction.
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Memorability: Another key factor. Players might return to a game after some time away; if they have to relearn everything, it creates a significant barrier. Game design should allow players to easily recall controls and mechanics, enabling them to jump back in seamlessly.
These three factors are essential components of usability and directly impact a game’s "playability." Developers should consider them early in the design process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable player experience.
Game Layer
The second layer is the "Game Layer," which consists of elements common across all game types. Pierre-Alexandre Garneau once listed 14 entertainment elements that can serve as components of this layer. These are vital considerations for designers aiming to meet diverse player expectations.
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Aesthetics: Visual and audio design are vital—they greatly enhance a game’s appeal and immersion.
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Immersion: Games should draw players in, helping them forget real-world concerns.
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Problem Solving: Games should present interesting and challenging puzzles or tasks that engage the mind, adding depth and complexity.
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Competition: Many players enjoy competition, whether against AI or other humans. It adds tension and excitement.
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Social Interaction: Many players value interacting with others, either cooperatively or competitively. Social features deepen gameplay and foster community.
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Comedy: Humor makes games more lighthearted and entertaining, boosting enjoyment.
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Thrill: Thrilling moments increase tension and excitement, offering safe yet stimulating experiences.
- Sports: Sports elements let players experience the joy and challenge of athletic activities.
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Love: Romantic elements add emotional depth and complexity, allowing players to experience fundamental human feelings.
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Creativity: Creative elements give players a sense of accomplishment through building and expression.
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Power: Power dynamics let players feel control and influence over the game world.
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Exploration and Discovery: Exploration drives curiosity and excitement as players uncover new areas and secrets.
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Progression and Completion: Progress systems provide satisfaction and achievement as goals are met.
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Skill Mastery: Skill-based gameplay allows players to improve and expertly apply their abilities, delivering deep satisfaction.
These elements are core to a game’s playability and directly shape the player experience. Developers should thoughtfully integrate them throughout the design process to deliver rich and fulfilling gameplay.
Genre Layer
The third layer—the "Genre Layer"—includes characteristics unique to specific game genres, each defined by distinct mechanics and styles that attract particular audiences. For example, role-playing games (RPGs) typically feature rich narratives and character development, action games (ACT) emphasize fast-paced gameplay and precise controls, while first-person shooters (FPS) offer immersive combat experiences, among others. Game genres are generally defined by genre conventions—recurring, shared traits across games of the same type. These conventions consist of four components:
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Theme: The central idea of the game, reflected in its story, characters, visuals, and sound. For instance, fighting games often promote themes of striving for supremacy and self-improvement.
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Narrative: The storyline guides players through the game and enhances depth and engagement—such as the hero’s journey commonly found in RPGs.
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Visual Style: The aesthetic presentation shapes first impressions and overall experience. For example, a 3D interior view with a weapon centered on screen typically signals the start of an FPS game.
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Game Rules: The foundational framework determining gameplay and objectives. Real-time strategy games, for instance, usually involve base-building, resource management, unit production, and warfare.
We now examine several common game genres in greater detail:
1. Role-Playing Games (RPG): RPGs are characterized by deep storytelling and character progression. Players assume the roles of one or more characters, advancing their abilities through quests and battles. Playability in RPGs often stems from intricate narratives, complex character systems, and expansive worlds. For example, *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* exemplifies this genre, earning acclaim for its rich narrative, deep character development, and open-ended world.
2. Action Games (ACT): These focus on fast-paced gameplay and precise control. Players navigate challenges and combat through skillful maneuvering. Playability arises from intense pacing, tight controls, and satisfying feedback. *Super Mario* is a classic example, beloved for its simple yet engaging mechanics and responsive controls.
3. First-Person Shooters (FPS): FPS games offer immersive combat from a first-person perspective. Their playability lies in realism, adrenaline-pumping action, and precision controls. The *Call of Duty* series exemplifies this genre, praised for realistic combat, varied modes, and refined mechanics.
4. Strategy Games (RTS): RTS games require thoughtful decision-making and resource management. Players build bases, produce units, and command armies. Depth comes from strategic planning, complex systems, and rewarding execution. *StarCraft* stands as a hallmark RTS title, renowned for its strategic depth, intricate economy, and competitive intensity.
5. Fighting Games (FTG): Centered on one-on-one combat, these games demand mastery of moves and tactics. Playability derives from high-stakes duels, diverse fighters, and precise inputs. *Street Fighter* is a quintessential fighting game, celebrated for its roster diversity, deep combat system, and tight controls.
6. Racing Games (RAC): Focused on driving and racing, these games challenge players with speed and technique. Excitement comes from fast races, vehicle customization, and authentic physics. *Need for Speed* typifies this genre, admired for its wide car selection, dynamic tracks, and realistic handling.
7. Simulation Games (SIM): These simulate real-life activities or scenarios, requiring management and decision-making. Engagement stems from realism, variety, and a sense of accomplishment. *The Sims* is a prime example, lauded for its detailed life simulation and creative freedom.
8. Sports Games (SPT): These replicate real-world sports, demanding tactical awareness and skill. Authenticity, team/athlete variety, and control fidelity define their appeal. *FIFA* is a leading sports title, known for lifelike football simulation, extensive rosters, and responsive controls.
These genre-specific traits are vital contributors to playability, directly shaping how players perceive and interact with games. Developers must account for these aspects during design to deliver compelling and satisfying experiences.
Emotional Layer
The "Emotional Layer" represents the highest tier of playability, involving players’ subjective feelings and psychological fulfillment during gameplay. This aspect is the most elusive and difficult to measure, as it depends on individual perceptions. Yet, it is also the most important—since the ultimate goal of any game is to deliver enjoyment and meaning.
1. Pursuit of Joy: At its core, a game exists to make players happy. This joy can stem from completing missions, solving puzzles, defeating enemies, or unlocking achievements. Designers must identify which elements generate pleasure and incorporate them effectively.
2. Curiosity About the World: Games often create virtual worlds ripe for exploration. Player curiosity drives them to investigate every corner, uncover hidden lore, and piece together stories. Designers should craft rich, intriguing environments that reward discovery.
3. Need for Self-Fulfillment: Games offer platforms where players achieve goals unattainable in real life—becoming heroes, building empires, mastering skills. Achieving these fosters deep satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Designers must understand player aspirations and create experiences that fulfill them.
In sum, emotional-layer playability is paramount—it determines whether players genuinely enjoy a game and choose to keep playing. Developers must deeply understand emotional drivers and strive to meet them, crafting experiences that are not only fun but meaningful and memorable.
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