CIS 487/587 Bruce R. Maxim UM-Dearborn Mechanics and Scope CIS 487/587 Bruce R. Maxim UM-Dearborn 4/25/2019

Scope Creep What is it? Who causes it? Causes schedule slippage big time Removing features can cause unintended consequences 4/25/2019

Why add mechanics? Stakeholder demand Changes in the marketplace Sequel already planned Game sucks The brainstorm (team vision of grandeur) 4/25/2019

Why cut mechanics? To get a particular ESEB rating To make a delivery deadline Mechanic fails to match core game vision Incompatible with other mechanics Normal tinkering (change it, play it, evaluate, repeat) because game sucks 4/25/2019

Add a Mechanic Assume your play testers find your 2D game prototype boring (they grow weary of mindless shooting and object collection) Work with your partner to come up with new game mechanic (game state interaction rule) to maintain player interest in your game What is the impact on your existing game if you were to implement the new game mechanic? 4/25/2019

Feature Tradeoff Assume you do not have the resources to implement all your game elements Pick a game mechanic (game state interaction rule) to remove from your game Redesign your game with that game mechanic removed Is your game better or worse after the redesign? Why? 4/25/2019