RULES

-rules of the game define the possible reaction of the player(s)

-rules are unambiguous, intelligent and apply for all players

-no game can be played without the interaction of the player

-the outcome of a game has to be uncertain, otherwise it loses it’s appeal

-computer games simulate or change properties and processes of the real world

-rules and representation of a game are not independent but interact with each other

MOTIVATION

-players require clear and immediate feedback to understand the relationship between action and outcome

-players require a clear goal so they can perform meaningful actions within the game

-conflict and competition are essential for a player’s motivation

-the challenge of the game should match the skills of the player: neither too easy (boring) nor too hard (frustrating)

LEARNING IN COMPUTERS

-many computer games are playable without having to read the manual, instead the player learns them through trial and error

-the player forms a hypothesis about the meaning of an object or action on the basis of his or her studies

-the player recognizes and learns fundamental within the game and can apply these to different situations

IDENTIFICATION IN COMPUTER GAMES

-the game theme has an impact on how the game appeals to different kinds of people

-the more abstract a character, the more players will be able to identify with the character

-the controls of a game character can be direct or indirect and have an impact on the relationship between the player and character

-often the player can select between different characters, which facilitate different strategies to play the game