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name: game-design description: Game design principles. GDD structure, balancing, player psychology, progression. allowed-tools: Read, Glob, Grep

Game Design Principles

Design thinking for engaging games.

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1. Core Loop Design

The 30-Second Test

CopyEvery game needs a fun 30-second loop:
1. ACTION → Player does something
2. FEEDBACK → Game responds
3. REWARD → Player feels good
4. REPEAT

Loop Examples

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2. Game Design Document (GDD)

Essential Sections

Principles

• Keep it living (update regularly)
• Visuals help communicate
• Less is more (start small)

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3. Player Psychology

Motivation Types

Reward Schedules

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4. Difficulty Balancing

Flow State

CopyToo Hard → Frustration → Quit
Too Easy → Boredom → Quit
Just Right → Flow → Engagement

Balancing Strategies

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5. Progression Design

Progression Types

Pacing Principles

• Early wins (hook quickly)
• Gradually increase challenge
• Rest beats between intensity
• Meaningful choices

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6. Anti-Patterns

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Remember: Fun is discovered through iteration, not designed on paper.