Real World Mobile Game
Design
Tim Lönnqvist
Real World Mobile Game Design
What are Mobile Games?
Mobile game is an interactive
entertainment software operating in a
mobile phone.
Mobile games are fast to create and fast
to consume.
Mobile games are very limited in
comparison to many other types of
current video games.
Real World Mobile Game Design
What Does a Designer Do?
Designers job is about understanding the
language of games.
Designers work on three levels; concept
design, playability design and content
design.
Game I : Mafia Wars
The Concept
A good name helps to
push a concept.
...but a concept
should be more than
just a name.
A technology driven
game concept has
many pitfalls.
Game I : Mafia Wars
Gameplay Design
While thinking of if
something is doable,
it’s also important to
think if it would be
any fun.
All design decisions
have repercussions;
thinking in advance
how features
intertwine helps to
avoid headaches later.
Game I : Mafia Wars
Content Creation
Unfortunately
designers are seldom
programmers;
scripting languages
can be unwieldy.
”It’s done when it’s
done” is a luxury few
can afford.
Game I : Mafia Wars
The Finished Game
Trailer goes here!
Game II : Pitfall The Lost Expedition
The Concept
A licence often
provides the design
framework for the
concept.
Why licence games
often suck; the
necessity and dangers
in using proven
concepts.
Game II : Pitfall The Lost Expedition
Gameplay Design
Focused key features
are essential for
mobile game design.
Video games have
already more than 20
years of history;
there’s plenty of
relevant examples to
help in most gameplay
issues.
Game II : Pitfall The Lost Expedition
Content Creation
Good design tools are absolutely invaluable.
Designed levels _always_ benefit from external
testing.
Game II : Pitfall The Lost Expedition
The Finished Game
Trailer goes here!
Game III : Fantasy Warrior II Good & Evil
The Concept
Concept design for a
sequel, while not
necessarily easy,
requires different
approach than a new
concept.
The more experienced
the team, the easier it
is to push the
envelope in concept
design.
Game III : Fantasy Warrior II Good & Evil
Gameplay Design
Both main aspects of
the gameplay,
exploration and
combat, were built
with mobile platform
specifically in mind.
Don’t frustrate the
player; the mobile
medium isn’t suitable
for tests of
perseverance.
Game III : Fantasy Warrior II Good & Evil
Content Creation
Handling chains of
events within a game
requires, once again,
proper tools.
Rich story content is
challenging to
implement into a
mobile game.
Game III : Fantasy Warrior II Good & Evil
The Finished Game
Trailer goes here!
Summary
About Designing Concepts
Viability of a concept has to be tested
A mock-up screenshot
A text pitch
A prototype
Mobile game concepts have limited means
of distinguishing themselves. Make sure
that your concept has something truly
unique!
Summary
About Designing Gameplay
First, you have enjoy the gameplay. Then
you have to recognize how your
experience differs from that of the
players.
Build yourself a list of Do’s and Don’t’s of
mobile game design.
Remember: game’s are created to be fun!
Thank you!
Questions?
Tim Lönnqvist
Tim.lonnqvist@safe-mail.net