FUNDAMENTALS OF GAME DESIGN, SECOND EDITION

Gameplay

Games provide gameplay, that is, challenges and actions that entertain. People enjoy a challenge, as long as they have a reasonable expectation of being able to accomplish it. People will also try a challenge that they have almost no expectation of meeting if the risk is low and the reward is high. Challenge creates tension and drama. At the simplest level, presenting players with a challenge amounts to asking the question, "Can you do it?" They'll enjoy trying to prove that they can.

People also enjoy executing the actions that the game offers. It's fun to fly a plane, shoot a rifle, design clothing, build a castle, or sing and dance. Video games let us do many things that are impossible or too expensive to do in real life, which is an important part of their appeal. The actions don't all have to be tied to a specific challenge; some things are fun to do even if they don't affect the outcome of the game. Many children's video games include toy-like elements to play with that ring, light up, change color, and so on.

Gameplay is the primary source of entertainment in all video games. When designing a game, it is the first thing to consider.