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Early Access - How To Combine Video Game Genres
🕑 Added 2022-08-03 08:19:25 +0000 UTCHello!
While I was working on the jam, I was also making a new episode of GMTK. This one's about mixing genres.
Great video games can come from combining genres - but getting the mix right isn't easy. In this video we'll explore the three main methods for merging genres, and look at the problems - and solutions - of each approach.
Thanks!
Mark
Comments
Christopher Cowley
Great video. Reminds me of why I like Prey Mooncrash so much. It's not the usual reroll on death but a continuation. Not entirely FPS focused even though it could be, but the fact you need to dabble in the powers etc beyond that to actually complete it is what makes it so appealing to me. Having to use the different characters seems to give it a great challenge for any play style.
Max Goldstein
The Solitaire Conspiracy does a good job of justifying why playing a card game deserves spy thriller vibes. Crucially it doesn’t mix two genres of gameplay, but rather takes gameplay from one and theming from another.
mhogar
Loved this video! Mixing genres I think is one of the best ways to create new and interesting game concepts in my opinion. Regarding "play style", another effective way to encourage players not to pump all their experience into a single stat is diminishing returns. For example, the Mario and Luigi games allow you to choose a stat to give an extra bonus to after every level up. But choosing the same stat repeatedly will decrease your chance of getting a good bonus, encouraging the player mix it up and choose a stat they usually wouldn't. Regarding "blend", another trapdoor to avoid is making the game feel contrived. Personally it bothers me when, for example, I have to damage the enemy by matching tiles instead of swinging the sword I am clearly holding. Maybe the solution is to simply provide some game lore into why a system is designed the way it is.
