The world of game development is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, with new trends and technologies emerging every day. However, there are certain fundamental principles that have stood the test of time, and the 7 laws of design are one such example. These laws are a set of guidelines that can help game developers create engaging and immersive experiences for players, and they are essential for anyone looking to create successful games. In this article, we will explore these laws in detail, and see how they can be applied to create memorable and engaging games. Whether you are a seasoned game developer or just starting out, understanding these laws is crucial for creating games that players will love.
What are the 7 laws of design?
The law of composition
Balance
In game development, balance refers to the distribution of visual elements within a game. This includes the placement of objects, characters, and scenery in a way that creates a sense of stability and harmony. Balance is crucial for creating a visually appealing and engaging game that keeps players interested.
Contrast
Contrast is the use of different elements, such as color and shape, to create visual interest and highlight important elements within a game. Contrast can be used to draw attention to specific areas, objects, or characters, and can help create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
Unity
Unity refers to the cohesion and harmony of visual elements within a game. This includes the use of consistent color schemes, textures, and themes to create a unified and cohesive visual experience. Unity is important for creating a game that feels polished and professional, and helps to create a sense of immersion for players.
In summary, the law of composition in game development encompasses balance, contrast, and unity. These principles are essential for creating visually appealing and engaging games that captivate players and keep them coming back for more.
The law of figure and ground
Figure
The law of figure and ground is a fundamental principle in game design that asserts that players focus on the most prominent elements in a game environment. These elements, known as the figure, are typically contrasted against the background or less prominent elements, referred to as the ground.
Ground
The ground refers to the background or less prominent elements in a game environment. It includes all the elements that are not the primary focus of the player’s attention, such as the environment, objects, and other non-player characters.
Interaction
The interaction between the figure and the ground is crucial in game design. The relationship between the two elements can affect the player’s perception of the game world and their ability to navigate it. For example, a game designer may use the contrast between the figure and the ground to draw the player’s attention to a specific area or object, or to create a sense of depth and complexity in the game world.
By understanding the law of figure and ground, game designers can create more engaging and immersive game environments that capture the player’s attention and encourage exploration. This law also helps designers to create a sense of balance and harmony in the game world, which can enhance the overall player experience.
The law of proximity
Spatial organization
The law of proximity is a fundamental principle in game design that refers to the way elements are arranged in space. It involves organizing visual elements in a way that creates a sense of order and hierarchy. In game design, spatial organization is crucial in creating a sense of balance and visual appeal.
One of the key aspects of spatial organization is the use of negative space. Negative space refers to the area around and between elements, and it can be used to create a sense of balance and contrast. By carefully controlling the amount of negative space around elements, game designers can create a sense of depth and dimension, which can make the game more immersive and engaging.
Another important aspect of spatial organization is the use of scale. Scale refers to the relative size of elements in a game, and it can be used to create a sense of hierarchy and importance. For example, in a platformer game, the player’s character might be relatively small, while the boss character could be much larger, emphasizing its importance and power.
Additionally, the law of proximity can also be applied to the placement of interactive elements such as buttons, menus, and other controls. By organizing these elements in a logical and intuitive way, game designers can make it easier for players to navigate the game world and complete tasks.
Overall, the law of proximity is a crucial principle in game design that can help create a sense of balance, hierarchy, and visual appeal. By carefully controlling the spatial organization of elements in a game, designers can create a more immersive and engaging experience for players.
The law of similarity
Repeating elements
One of the key principles of game design is the law of similarity, which states that players tend to recognize and remember similar patterns in a game’s design. This can include repeating elements such as textures, shapes, and colors, which help to create a sense of cohesion and familiarity within the game world.
For example, in the game “Minecraft,” the blocky, pixelated style of the graphics is used consistently throughout the game, creating a distinct visual identity that players quickly come to recognize and associate with the game. This consistent use of repeating elements helps to create a sense of familiarity and continuity, making it easier for players to navigate the game world and understand its rules.
Common features
Another aspect of the law of similarity is the use of common features across different areas of the game. This can include elements such as user interface elements, control schemes, and even game mechanics. By using common features consistently throughout the game, players are able to quickly recognize and understand the game’s systems and mechanics, even as they move between different areas or game modes.
For example, in the game “Super Mario Bros.,” the controls for jumping, running, and interacting with the environment are consistent throughout the game, making it easy for players to learn and master the game’s mechanics. This consistency of features helps to create a sense of familiarity and control, allowing players to focus on the game’s challenges rather than its controls.
Overall, the law of similarity is an important principle in game design, as it helps to create a sense of cohesion and familiarity within the game world. By using repeating elements and common features consistently throughout the game, designers can help players quickly recognize and understand the game’s systems and mechanics, making it easier for them to enjoy and engage with the game.
The law of continuity
The law of continuity is a fundamental principle in game design that emphasizes the importance of smooth transitions and consistent visual elements throughout the game. It involves creating a seamless experience for the player by ensuring that the game’s art style, sound design, and gameplay mechanics are cohesive and consistent.
Gradation
Gradation is a technique used in game design to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. It involves the use of subtle variations in color, texture, and shape to create a sense of hierarchy and progression. For example, a game’s environments may gradually change from a bright, vibrant color scheme at the beginning of the game to a darker, more muted palette as the player progresses through the levels.
Repetition
Repetition is another key element of the law of continuity. It involves the use of consistent visual elements and patterns throughout the game to create a sense of familiarity and coherence. This can include the use of recurring characters, items, or background elements that reappear in different levels or areas of the game. Repetition can also be used to reinforce the game’s theme or story, creating a stronger emotional connection between the player and the game world.
Overall, the law of continuity is crucial in game design as it helps to create a sense of immersion and believability in the game world. By using gradation and repetition, game designers can create a cohesive and consistent experience for the player, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the game and become engrossed in its world.
The law of contrast
Emphasis
The law of contrast is one of the fundamental principles of design that states that the contrast of elements in a game is essential for creating a visually appealing and engaging experience for players. This law emphasizes the importance of creating a clear distinction between different elements in a game, such as characters, objects, and environments, to make them stand out and be easily recognizable.
Contrasting elements
Contrasting elements can be achieved through various means, such as color, size, shape, and texture. For example, a game designer may use a brightly colored character against a dark background to create a strong contrast and make the character stand out. Alternatively, a designer may use large and small elements together to create a sense of scale and balance in the game world.
Furthermore, contrasting elements can also be used to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in a game. For instance, a game designer may use shadows and lighting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, making the game world feel more immersive and realistic.
In conclusion, the law of contrast is a critical principle in game design that emphasizes the importance of creating a clear distinction between different elements in a game. By using contrasting elements such as color, size, shape, and texture, game designers can create a visually appealing and engaging experience for players, making the game world feel more immersive and realistic.
The law of pattern
Regularity
The first law of design, regularity, refers to the principle of repetition. In game development, this principle is used to create a sense of order and predictability, which helps players to understand the rules and mechanics of the game. Regularity can be achieved through the use of consistent visual elements, such as color schemes, typography, and layout.
For example, in the game “Minecraft,” the regularity of the game’s visual elements, such as the blocky graphics and the consistent use of primary colors, helps to create a sense of familiarity and predictability for the player. This predictability allows players to quickly understand the rules of the game and focus on the creative aspects of gameplay.
Proportion
The second law of design, proportion, refers to the principle of balance and harmony. In game development, this principle is used to create a sense of visual stability and harmony, which helps to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for the player. Proportion can be achieved through the use of contrast, symmetry, and other design techniques.
For example, in the game “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” the use of contrast between the dark, ominous forests and the bright, open fields helps to create a sense of balance and harmony. This balance is further emphasized by the use of symmetry in the game’s architecture and design, which helps to create a sense of visual stability and coherence.
Overall, the law of pattern is an important principle in game development, as it helps to create a sense of order, predictability, and balance in the game’s visual elements. By following these principles, game designers can create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for the player, which can ultimately lead to greater success and player engagement.
The law of color
Hue
In the realm of game development, color plays a vital role in creating a captivating and immersive gaming experience. The first law of color, known as the law of hue, pertains to the specific shade or tone of a color. In other words, it refers to the particular wavelength of light that is being reflected or emitted, which ultimately determines the color that the human eye perceives.
For instance, the color red can be represented by a variety of hues, such as crimson, scarlet, or vermilion. Each of these hues possesses a distinct wavelength of light, resulting in a slightly different shade of red. Similarly, the color blue can range from a bright and vibrant turquoise to a deep and rich navy.
Saturation
The second law of color, known as saturation, refers to the intensity or purity of a color. This is often described as the “brightness” or “richness” of a color, and it is determined by the amount of color that is present relative to a neutral gray.
For example, a highly saturated color such as bright red would be much brighter and more intense than a less saturated color like a muted terracotta. Similarly, a highly saturated blue like electric blue would be much brighter and more intense than a less saturated blue like powder blue.
Value
The third law of color, known as value, refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. This is often described as the “tone” of a color, and it is determined by the amount of white or black that is present in relation to the color.
For instance, a color with a high value would be a light shade of that color, such as a pastel yellow or pale pink. On the other hand, a color with a low value would be a dark shade of that color, such as a deep navy or rich burgundy.
By understanding and applying these three laws of color in game development, designers can create visually appealing and immersive games that captivate players and enhance their overall gaming experience.
Understanding these laws and applying them to game development
Benefits of understanding the 7 laws of design
Improved player experience
- Enhanced immersion through consistent design principles
- Better navigation and usability for players
- Greater emotional engagement with the game world
Enhanced gameplay
- Streamlined and intuitive controls for seamless player interaction
- Dynamic and responsive environments that promote exploration and experimentation
- Increased player satisfaction through well-designed challenges and rewards
Better visual communication
- Effective use of color, lighting, and animation to convey information and atmosphere
- Clear and concise visual storytelling to enhance player understanding and engagement
- Improved readability and legibility of game text and UI elements for smoother gameplay
Applying the laws to game development
Game design principles
When it comes to game development, understanding and applying the principles of design is crucial for creating successful games. One of the most important principles is player agency, which refers to the player’s ability to make choices and have an impact on the game world. Other key principles include challenge, feedback, and reward.
Visual elements in game design
Visual elements are a critical part of game design, as they help to create immersive and engaging experiences for players. One important aspect of visual design is color, which can be used to evoke emotions and set the tone for a game. Another important element is animation, which can be used to create a sense of movement and life in a game world.
Creating immersive experiences
Immersion is a key aspect of game design, as it helps to draw players into the game world and keep them engaged. One way to create immersion is through environmental design, which involves creating detailed and believable game worlds that players can explore. Another important aspect of immersion is sound design, which can be used to create realistic and immersive audio environments for players.
In addition to these elements, there are many other factors that can contribute to a game’s success. By understanding and applying the principles of design, game developers can create engaging and immersive experiences that keep players coming back for more.
Case studies: Successful game development using the 7 laws of design
Game title 1: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a popular battle royale game that has been developed by Bluehole Studio.
- The game has been successful in terms of player base and revenue generated.
- One of the reasons behind the success of PUBG is its focus on the 7 laws of design.
- The game’s concept of “survival of the fittest” is a prime example of the first law of design, which states that players must have a sense of achievement.
- The game’s focus on scavenging for weapons and gear is an example of the second law of design, which states that players must have a sense of risk and reward.
- The game’s large-scale battles and strategic gameplay are an example of the third law of design, which states that players must have a sense of challenge.
- The game’s focus on teamwork and communication is an example of the fourth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of social interaction.
- The game’s attention to detail and realistic graphics is an example of the fifth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of immersion.
- The game’s dynamic weather and environment is an example of the sixth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of unpredictability.
- The game’s focus on regular updates and new content is an example of the seventh law of design, which states that players must have a sense of anticipation.
Game title 2: Minecraft
- Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that has been developed by Mojang Studios.
- One of the reasons behind the success of Minecraft is its focus on the 7 laws of design.
- The game’s concept of “survival and creativity” is a prime example of the first law of design, which states that players must have a sense of achievement.
- The game’s focus on resource gathering and crafting is an example of the second law of design, which states that players must have a sense of risk and reward.
- The game’s focus on exploration and discovery is an example of the third law of design, which states that players must have a sense of challenge.
- The game’s focus on building and creating is an example of the fourth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of social interaction.
- The game’s attention to detail and pixelated graphics is an example of the fifth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of immersion.
Game title 3: Among Us
- Among Us is a popular multiplayer game that has been developed by InnerSloth Studios.
- One of the reasons behind the success of Among Us is its focus on the 7 laws of design.
- The game’s concept of “deception and detection” is a prime example of the first law of design, which states that players must have a sense of achievement.
- The game’s focus on sabotage and killing other players is an example of the second law of design, which states that players must have a sense of risk and reward.
- The game’s focus on communication and deduction is an example of the fourth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of social interaction.
- The game’s attention to detail and simple graphics is an example of the fifth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of immersion.
- The game’s dynamic events and tasks is an example of the sixth law of design, which states that players must have a sense of unpredictability.
Future of game development: The impact of the 7 laws of design
Evolution of game design
The evolution of game design is an ongoing process, and the 7 laws of design play a crucial role in shaping the future of game development. As technology advances and new platforms emerge, game designers must adapt to these changes to create engaging and immersive experiences for players. The 7 laws of design provide a framework for understanding the principles that drive successful game design and can help game developers stay ahead of the curve.
Opportunities for innovation
The 7 laws of design also provide opportunities for innovation in game development. By understanding the principles that drive player engagement, game designers can push the boundaries of what is possible in game design. For example, by applying the principle of player freedom, game designers can create open-world games that offer players the freedom to explore and make choices, leading to a more immersive and personalized gaming experience.
Continued refinement of game development
Finally, the 7 laws of design can help game developers refine their processes and create better games. By understanding the principles that drive player engagement, game designers can identify areas for improvement and refine their game design accordingly. This can lead to more successful games and a more competitive edge in the industry.
Overall, the future of game development is bright, and the 7 laws of design will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry. By understanding these principles, game designers can create more engaging and immersive experiences for players, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game design and refining their processes to create better games.
FAQs
1. What are the 7 laws of design?
The 7 laws of design are a set of principles that are commonly used in game development to create engaging and immersive experiences for players. These laws include: the law of past experience, the law of the first two minutes, the law of the triangle, the law of four, the law of the lesser of two weevils, the law of the curve of learning, and the law of the user experience.
2. What is the law of past experience?
The law of past experience states that a player’s past experiences with similar games or experiences will influence their expectations and reactions to a new game. This means that game developers must consider a player’s prior experiences when designing a new game to ensure that it meets their expectations and provides a unique and engaging experience.
3. What is the law of the first two minutes?
The law of the first two minutes states that a player’s initial impression of a game is crucial to their continued engagement with it. Game developers must therefore ensure that the first two minutes of a game are engaging and provide a clear understanding of the game’s goals and mechanics to keep players interested and invested in the game.
4. What is the law of the triangle?
The law of the triangle states that a game’s mechanics, goals, and presentation must be in balance to create a successful and engaging experience for players. This means that game developers must carefully consider the relationship between these three elements when designing a game to ensure that it is well-rounded and provides a balanced experience for players.
5. What is the law of four?
The law of four states that a game must have four key elements to be successful: mechanics, goals, players, and feedback. These elements must be carefully balanced and integrated to create a game that is engaging and provides a rewarding experience for players.
6. What is the law of the lesser of two weevils?
The law of the lesser of two weevils states that a game developer must choose the least problematic option when faced with multiple competing design choices. This means that game developers must carefully consider the potential consequences of each design choice and choose the one that is most likely to lead to a successful and engaging game.
7. What is the law of the curve of learning?
The law of the curve of learning states that a player’s learning curve must be carefully considered when designing a game. This means that game developers must provide players with clear and easy-to-understand instructions and gradually increase the difficulty of the game as players become more proficient to ensure that they are engaged and challenged without becoming frustrated or overwhelmed.
8. What is the law of the user experience?
The law of the user experience states that a game’s user experience must be carefully considered and optimized to ensure that it is engaging and enjoyable for players. This means that game developers must consider factors such as controls, menus, and other interface elements to ensure that they are intuitive and easy to use, and that they enhance the overall gameplay experience.