game-design-corelisted

# Game Design Core ## Triggers - game design - core loop - game feel - player motivation - game mechanics - meaningful choice - progression system - game economy - game balance - playtesting - GDD - game document - fun factor - engagement - flow state - risk reward - player agency - juice - game polish - 8 kinds of fun - bartle types - MDA framework ## Patterns ### The 30/30/30 Loop Design Design three nested loops that create engagement at second, minute, and hour timescales Starting any game design, evaluating if core loop is solid ``` # Every game needs three interlocking loops: ## 30-SECOND LOOP (Micro) The second-to-second experience. Must be inherently satisfying. - Doom: shoot-kill-move - Mario: run-jump-land - Tetris: rotate-place-clear - Hades: attack-dash-attack TEST: Is this action fun with no goals, no progression, no rewards? If not, no amount of meta-game will save it. ## 30-MINUTE LOOP (Meso) The session structure. Creates rhythm and natural break points. - Roguelikes: run-death-restart - Match-3: level-reward-next - Shooters: mission-loadout-mission - MOBAs: match-results-queue TEST: Do players naturally pause here? Is there a "just one more" hook? ## 30-HOUR LOOP (Macro) The long-term progression. Creates goals and mastery. - Unlocks, upgrades, new abilities - Narrative progression - Skill development and rankings - Collection and completion TEST: Is there always something to work toward? Does mastery feel earned? # The magic happens when loop