Some Essential Tips for Creating Engaging Game Design and Memorable Experiences

Game design is an art form that blends creativity, psychology, and technology. While there are countless ways to approach it, there are some timeless principles that can elevate your game's design and ensure players have a meaningful and engaging experience. Below, we explore five essential tips for crafting great game design, with some examples from popular titles.

Tip #1: Show the Problem Before Offering the Solution (Lock Before the Key)

One of the most effective ways to create a rewarding gameplay experience is to present players with a problem before giving them the solution. This technique, often referred to as "lock before the key," builds anticipation and encourages players to think critically.

By first introducing a locked door or a seemingly unreachable area, you spark the player's curiosity and set up a natural desire to solve the puzzle. When they eventually find the "key" (whether it's an actual key, a new ability, or a solution), the satisfaction of unlocking that door or obstacle becomes much more impactful.

Example: In The Legend of Zelda series, players often encounter areas they can't access until they find a specific item, like a bomb or ability. This creates a rewarding "aha!" moment when players finally get the tool they need and remember exactly where to use it, reinforcing a sense of discovery and accomplishment.

Tip #2: Remember, the Levels Are Harder for Players Than for You

As developers, it's easy to underestimate the difficulty of your own game because you know all the ins and outs. However, players won't have this familiarity, and what seems like a straightforward level design to you could be a real challenge for them.

Always keep in mind that players need time to get used to the mechanics, learn the rules, and understand the game's language. For rough estimate, assume that the level is atleast 5x more difficult for players as compared to yourself. Providing a balanced difficulty curve, with room for experimentation is crucial for keeping players engaged (Otherwise it will be too hard for players to continue).

Example: Consider Celeste, an indie platformer known for its challenging gameplay. The developers anticipated that players would struggle with certain mechanics, so they designed the levels to introduce new challenges gradually, with checkpoints placed thoughtfully to keep the frustration at a manageable level. This careful pacing makes the game challenging but fair, giving players a chance to master the mechanics step by step.

Tip #3: Give Players Bigger Choices That Matter

Games should empower players to make decisions that significantly impact the story, gameplay, or outcome. When players are forced to make meaningful choices, it adds weight to their actions and gives them a sense of agency.

Rather than focusing on small, inconsequential mechanics, prioritize choices that shape the player's experience in significant ways, whether it's choosing a character's path, deciding whom to ally with, or determining which abilities to develop.

Example: In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the player's decisions throughout the game can lead to dramatically different story outcomes. Whether to spare or kill a particular character, or how to approach a moral dilemma, these choices have real consequences that affect the game's ending. This kind of meaningful decision-making keeps players invested, as they feel their actions have a genuine impact on the world.

Tip #4: Let Players Use Their In-Game Learning to Beat the Game

The best games teach players through gameplay itself, allowing them to learn by doing rather than by reading lengthy tutorials.

When players use the skills and strategies they've developed throughout the game to overcome new challenges, it feels incredibly rewarding. This approach keeps the learning process organic and encourages players to experiment, adapt, and master the game over time.

Example: In Portal, players gradually learn how to use the portal gun to solve increasingly complex puzzles. The game introduces new mechanics step by step, ensuring that players understand each concept before adding another layer of difficulty. By the time they reach the more advanced levels, players have developed the skills needed to solve them without feeling overwhelmed. Or like in Elden Ring, when you face the Tree Sentinel right in the start of game :)

Tip #5: When in Doubt, Surprise the Player!

Surprising players with the unexpected is one of the most powerful ways to keep them engaged. Throw in twists, new gameplay elements, or quirky moments that disrupt the usual pattern and breathe new life into the experience.

These surprises don't have to be grand or complex; even small unexpected events can add delight or create memorable moments that players will talk about long after finishing the game (sometimes smaller things are even more memorable than big twists, forming personal experience).

Example: In Undertale, a game known for its unconventional approach, players are often surprised by the way their actions affect the story and characters. The game subverts traditional RPG expectations by allowing players to befriend enemies instead of fighting them. This kind of surprise adds layers of depth to the gameplay and keeps players on their toes, creating small memorable experiences.

Bonus: Work on Your Game Instead of Watching Development Videos

It's easy to get lost in the endless stream of game development tutorials (often called tutorial hell), lectures, and “how-to” videos. While these resources are valuable for learning new skills, spending too much time consuming content can detract from actual development.

At some point, you have to step away from the screen and start applying what you've learned. Real progress comes from making mistakes, solving problems, and iterating on your work. There's no substitute for hands-on experience, so don't let fear of failure keep you in a perpetual learning loop—get your hands dirty and start creating!

Ultimately, game design is a journey of discovery, both for the player and the creator. Keep these tips in mind, and remember to stay focused on building your own unique adventure!