Game Boundaries The temporary world where the rules of the game apply, rather than the rules of the ordinary world.

Game Boundaries

Game Boundaries Boundaries are what separate the game from everything that is not the game. Boundaries can be physical – like the edge of an arena, playing field, or game board. Boundaries can be conceptual – such as a social agreement to play.

Game Boundaries

Game Boundaries Why are boundaries important? Players could run anywhere they wanted to. Players could run as far as they could physically get without being tackled by the other team or blocked by random objects. Game Boundaries must be clearly explained in the rules, universally adhered to by all players and teams, and be enforced fairly.

Game Boundaries Boundaries of the game serve as a way to separate everything that goes on in the game from daily life. While you may act the part of a cut throat opponent against your best friend within the boundaries of the game, you can shake hands at the end of the game, and walk away without any real harm to your friendship. You may even feel closer and have a stronger friendship.

Games without clear boundaries Free Form Games: Tag is usually played with loosely defined boundaries with no detriment to the overall experience. Magic: The Gathering, players purchase an initial deck with enough cards to get started, but this is only the surface of the system. To create better decks, players can buy or trade other cards to add to their collection. The publisher adds new cards and withdraws cards occasionally.

Game Boundaries Most games have “closed” systems that clearly define that which is within the game versus that which is outside the game. Closed games purposefully keep the in-game elements from interacting with outside forces. It is up to you, the Game Designer, to determine where and how the boundaries of your game are defined, and when or if ever to breach them.

Game Boundaries

Game Boundaries

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