Game Design & Analysis - Balance and Probability
In this week's video lecture, Bob discusses how to balance games with an emphasis towards developing an intended player experience. The video introduces some best practice, practical tools and an introduction to probability math.
CONTENT
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Defining balance and imbalance
1:48 Sources of unfairness
2:03 Reinforcing relationships
2:24 Dominant objects
2:19 Starting positions
4:00 Scripting (AI advantages)
5:24 Symmetrical games
5:46 Asymmetrical games
6:06 Self-balancing games
6:32 Do games always have to be a fair challenge?
7:10 The advantages of asymmetrical game design
8:23 RNG
8:56 The hypothetical dogfight game (balancing methods)
10:08 Checking learning and skill biases
11:58 Balancing Tips
13:07 The relationship between skill and chance
14:02 Probability basics
14:54 Disjoint events
15:20 Joint events
17:29 Solving more complicated probability problems
17:57 Player perception and probability
18:51 Wrap-up Time with Reggie
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this module, students are expected to be able to
explain and apply multiple approaches to game balancing,
identify potential sources of unfairness in games, and
calculate probabilities for their games