Speculative

Game Design

Framework

􂂆

Player State Model

Building a real-time player state model of the player’s emotional and cognitive state.

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􀵶

Experience Dynamics

Structure core loops and world design to nurture emotional goals, not just engagement.

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􀛹

Adaptive Mechanics

Using real-time player state to dynamically adjust game systems to improve wellbeing.

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􂂆 Player Layer - The Game Listens

The player layer is about understanding the player , capturing emotional, cognitive, or physiological data (like stress levels, play-style, or mood) to create a real-time snapshot of their state.

Biometrics

Heart rate (HRV), EEG, skin conductance

Behaviour

Input patterns, choice timing, pause frequency

Player Preference

Onboarding surveys, in-game check-ins

These are used to create a player state model for each individual player, which is constantly evolving based on the above parameters. This player state model is used for both the adaptive mechanics and experience dynamics.

􀓤 Player Archetypes

The player archetypes are used to inform the player state model to create a deeper understanding of the player. Players are never a fixed archetype, like the player layer the archetypes are a dynamic value that could change over time based on player behaviour and preferences.

Achievers

Sample

Sample

Explorers

Sample

Sample

Socialisers

Sample

Sample

The Competitive

Sample

Sample

􀼐 Feedback Layer

The Feedback Layer is where the game communicates back to the player what it has noticed, how it responded, and what that means. It closes the loop between player state, game adaptation, and emotional insight. The core functions are below :

Biometrics

Heart rate (HRV), EEG, skin conductance

Biometrics

Heart rate (HRV), EEG, skin conductance

Biometrics

Heart rate (HRV), EEG, skin conductance

Biometrics

Heart rate (HRV), EEG, skin conductance

􀓤

Player Archetypes

Different player engagement types to dynamically tailor the game experience.

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􀼐

Feedback Layer

Defining clear pathways to help players reflect on how the game is affecting them

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􀵶 Experience Dynamics - The Game Guides

Experience Architecture is the intentional design of a game’s emotional pacing and structure, shaping how players feel as they move through the game. It involves planning moments of tension, calm, reflection, and resolution, using narrative, environment, and game systems to guide the player on a meaningful emotional journey.

Here are some wellbeing pillars to keep in mind.

  • Reflection

    Allow players the time to reflect on their actions and choices

    Use of symbolic arcs, structure narrative in the way where it has closure which allows the player to reflect on their previous escapades. Uses the narrative mechanic.

  • Emotional Regulation

    How can pacing help regulate the emotions of the player

    Utilise breath based mechanics, and de-escalating sequences for long and tiring quests. Uses the narrative, visuals and sound mechanics.

  • Self-Efficacy

    How can the game connect to the players real world?

    Having skill trees and upgrades that tie to self improvement themes, opening up the opportunity for players to improve in real life as well. Uses the narrative mechanic.

  • Belonging

    How can games make players feel like they are a true part of the world

    Adding experiences like asynchronous co-op as well as having in depth NPC interactions instilling a sense a belonging using the narrative and NPC behaviour mechanics.

  • Flow

    How can a game utilise the concept of flow states?

    Rhythmic balancing of game pacing that works based on mood. Identifying flow states by using the Loop Length mechanic and difficulty mechanics.

Action / FPS

Narrative

Puzzle

RPG

Casual / Cozy

🎮

Core Emphasis

Safe rooms, cool-down phases, narrative breaks between combat zones

􀛹 Adaptive Mechanics - The Game Responds

As part of this layer, the game should explore how to sense the players emotion and physical state and dynamically adjust the experience by creating adaptive game mechanics that work in real time.

  • Difficulty

    How do we make games accessible for everyone?

    Smart scaling (DDA) or softening after frustration.

  • Narrative

    How can storytelling influence player choice and engagement>

    Utilise tone change, empathetic dialogue with NPC's and dynamic pacing for storytelling.

  • Visuals

    How can visuals assist players in terms of their wellbeing?

    Dynamically shifting colour palettes. Specific lighting scenarios to induce feelings of calm or energy.

  • Sound

    How can sound change the way players experience a game?

    Adjusting the BPM of the soundtrack based on player mood will create more intentional engagement as well as smooth exit points.

  • Loop Length

    How can game loops help create smooth exit points?

    Inserting natural pause moments based on the gameplay. Dynamically adjusting game pace to match pause time and player state.

  • NPC Behaviour

    How can NPC's make gaming seem more personal and adaptive?

    NPC's should respond to player data. Their responses should be emotionally aware and mirror the player. NPC's can also be used to create smooth exit points by adjusting story pacing.

Action / FPS

Narrative

Puzzle

RPG

Casual / Cozy

🎮

What should adapt

Micro-pacing: adjust enemy spawn rate, hit feedback, weapon handling. Difficulty should dynamically adjust based on player performance.

This framework is for video game developers to enable them to start thinking about what an adaptable and personalised game might look like in the future.