Building a core loop for your game can be daunting. A simple Action-Reward-Level Up core loop can be enough, but how do we expand from there?
As I have been focusing on the core loop for a personal project, (details on that in a future post!) I have been wondering how could I break free a bit from the conventional loops and bring something new to the arena.
🏗️ In order to bring in something new, we need to break down what a Core Loop is.
The Core Loop is one of the basic fundamental concepts in game design that represents the main gameplay cycle or repetitive sequence of actions that players interact with. It keeps players engaged, motivated, and immersed in the game.
The Core Loop is a series of connected game mechanics and actions that players repeat to progress in the game.
Classic example is: Action –> Reward –> Level Up
🚀 The components of a Basic Core Loop:
⚔️ – Player Action – The Player takes specific actions in the game, such as movement, combat or solving a puzzle
💰 – Feedback/Reward – The game provides feedback to the players action’s, such as points, rewards or level progress.
🔼 – Level Up or Goal – Players have a clear goal to achieve, which motivates them to continue. Gain the next level, earn a rewards chest, upgrade their weapon.
After completing the loop, players are encouraged to start the cycle again through a new objective or higher difficulty, leading to bigger and better rewards!
🚀 Some examples of Core Loops:
🧩 – Puzzle Game Core Loop – In puzzle games like Bejeweled, the loop would be Match Gems –> Earn Points –> Progress to a more challenging level.
🪠 – Platformer Core Loop – In a platformer game similar to Super Mario Bros., Avoid Obstacles –> Defeat Enemies –> Reach Castle, but even this has a much larger game loop which is discussed in the article below.
🗡️ – RPG Core Loop – In an RPG game like Skyrim or Genshin Impact, The loop could look like Explore –> Battle Enemies –> Upgrade Abilities
➡️ A solid Core Loop is very important to your game and should be locked down fairly early in your development.
➡️ A solid Core Loop keeps players motivated to continue playing. It provides a clear path for players to make progress and achieve their objectives.
➡️ A solid Core Loop can be designed to introduce new mechanics gradually to players.
➡️ A solid Core Loop can and will be referred to during development to refine the gameplay balance and player experience.
➡️ Playtesting and feedback is crucial for Core Loop refinement!
Action-Reward-Level Up is the tried and true champion, but is there another way we can spike those dopamine levels for players enjoying our games?
I have attached an in depth article from The Knights of Unity blog. There are some great examples of Core Loops, their deconstruction and the psychology behind them.
Core Loop in Game Development – The Knights of Unity
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Mastering the Art of Game Design: Understanding and Crafting the Core Loop
