⌣ market value curves

A MARKET VALUE in game design is an aspect of a game experience that appeals to some group of people in a specific way. For example, there are people who play The Sims just to build houses. They’re not interested in controlling a simulated family.

Value curve comparisons make it obvious which parts of a game are important and which aren’t.

When we look at failed games, we find the opposite: short, wide value curves resembling tree stumps, without a single value rising above the competition.

I made the classic mistake of trying to copy a successful game and placing shiny new baubles on top.

📖 Designing Games