There are so many gameplay mechanisms that we as players have become so used to that we don't even think about them at all.
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| I have 3 lives? Makes perfect sense to me! |
Things such as a checkpointing system is an example of a mechanic that you would probably only really notice if it was absent.
These things all make playing games a more enjoyable and relaxing experience, but imagine if we could transfer them into the real world.
If you could pick 5 video game mechanics to transfer into reality, which would be the ones to pick?
Well, here are some suggestions:
5. Quick Save
In the world of games there's nothing like the safety of the quick save. Simply hit a button at any given time and your current situation will be safely tucked away, ready to be reloaded if something bad happens.
Finish a tough fight? *Quick save*
Don't like the look of that dark corridor? *Quick save*
Wan't to jump off the top of that building just for the heck of it? *Quick save*
Just imagine how useful this would be in real life.
Afraid that hot chick will laugh at your bad pick-up lines? *Quick save*
Unsure if you can make it to that important meeting in time if you stop for coffee first? *Quick save*
Don't like the look of that dark corridor? *Quick save*
4. Tutorials
Tutorials are great.
They make sure to explain everything you need to know about a game. All the complicated game mechanics that you need to know will be shown and you'll be guided through without a furrowed brow in sight.
Just think of all the applications this would have in the real world.
The next time your kid is acting up. How should you handle him?
Well, just follow this easy 7 step tutorial and you'll be daddy of the year in no time!
Your boss just threw an indecipherable assignment your way with a short deadline?
No problem, thanks to the interactive tutorial you'll know all you need to know about taxes and their cross relational influences on cattle prices and have the job done in double time.
3. Objectives
Games are great about setting up goals for players.
These days you'll rarely have to wander around aimlessly for more than 30 seconds before a line of text with "objective" comes up on screen, often accompanied by a big fat glowing arrow to show you where you need to go.
Ever felt like your life lacked purpose? Or that you just didn't know what you should be doing with yourself?
Well then, what you need are objectives and waypoints!
Sitting at home feeling the the hopelessness of life pressing down on you, when suddenly *bam!* up pops a new primary objective:
"Get to the gym" and glowing breadcrumbs show up on your apartment floor.
Now you are filled with purpose and ready to complete some objectives!
2. Regenerating health
A newer invention in the gaming world, popularized by the "Halo" games, the regenerating health system allows players to be fully healed from even the most life threatening of wounds in a manner of seconds as long as they stop taking damage (I imagine the rationale for that function can be explained like this).
This handy feature would make knife fights nothing more than an entertaining pastime.
Happily stab away at each other until you need a time out and then you'll be as good as new in seconds.
This could really make for some entertaining UFC!
1. All women are hot and wear unreasonably skimpy clothing
Okay, so this more of a video game idiosyncrasy than a gaming mechanism, but still.
It is an undeniable fact that the vast majority of women in video games posses bodily dimensions that would make Heidi Klum seem plain and ordinary.
Furthermore, these women are often dressed in completely ludicrously skimpy outfits that are immensely impractical for the tasks that they are performing in the game.
I'll not explain the advantages this would have in real life, but leave you with a picture instead:
Well, here are some suggestions:
5. Quick Save
In the world of games there's nothing like the safety of the quick save. Simply hit a button at any given time and your current situation will be safely tucked away, ready to be reloaded if something bad happens.
Finish a tough fight? *Quick save*
Don't like the look of that dark corridor? *Quick save*
Wan't to jump off the top of that building just for the heck of it? *Quick save*
Just imagine how useful this would be in real life.
Afraid that hot chick will laugh at your bad pick-up lines? *Quick save*
Unsure if you can make it to that important meeting in time if you stop for coffee first? *Quick save*
Don't like the look of that dark corridor? *Quick save*
4. Tutorials
Tutorials are great.
They make sure to explain everything you need to know about a game. All the complicated game mechanics that you need to know will be shown and you'll be guided through without a furrowed brow in sight.
 |
| Virtual Sid Meier to the rescue |
Just think of all the applications this would have in the real world.
The next time your kid is acting up. How should you handle him?
Well, just follow this easy 7 step tutorial and you'll be daddy of the year in no time!
Your boss just threw an indecipherable assignment your way with a short deadline?
No problem, thanks to the interactive tutorial you'll know all you need to know about taxes and their cross relational influences on cattle prices and have the job done in double time.
3. Objectives
Games are great about setting up goals for players.
These days you'll rarely have to wander around aimlessly for more than 30 seconds before a line of text with "objective" comes up on screen, often accompanied by a big fat glowing arrow to show you where you need to go.
 |
| Follow the glowing trail, stupid |
Ever felt like your life lacked purpose? Or that you just didn't know what you should be doing with yourself?
Well then, what you need are objectives and waypoints!
Sitting at home feeling the the hopelessness of life pressing down on you, when suddenly *bam!* up pops a new primary objective:
"Get to the gym" and glowing breadcrumbs show up on your apartment floor.
Now you are filled with purpose and ready to complete some objectives!
2. Regenerating health
A newer invention in the gaming world, popularized by the "Halo" games, the regenerating health system allows players to be fully healed from even the most life threatening of wounds in a manner of seconds as long as they stop taking damage (I imagine the rationale for that function can be explained like this).
This handy feature would make knife fights nothing more than an entertaining pastime.
Happily stab away at each other until you need a time out and then you'll be as good as new in seconds.
This could really make for some entertaining UFC!
1. All women are hot and wear unreasonably skimpy clothing
Okay, so this more of a video game idiosyncrasy than a gaming mechanism, but still.
It is an undeniable fact that the vast majority of women in video games posses bodily dimensions that would make Heidi Klum seem plain and ordinary.
Furthermore, these women are often dressed in completely ludicrously skimpy outfits that are immensely impractical for the tasks that they are performing in the game.
I'll not explain the advantages this would have in real life, but leave you with a picture instead:
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1. Quicksave wouldn't be as useful without being able ot load too.
ReplyDelete2. Your #1 would be reducing half the population to eye-candy and is an unsettingly sexist sentiment.
Way to ostracize half your readership. I was totally with you until your final conclusion.
ReplyDeleteI can see that my number 1 point has offended some people.
ReplyDeleteI do apologize for that, as no offense is meant.
In fact I was rather poking fun of how incredibly unrealistic women are portrayed in video games in order to appeal to male gamers.
As I hope is evident in the tone of the article this is not meant as a serious piece but some light humor.
I also do not approve of knife fights for entertainment or referring to tutorials as a way to raise your kids.