"Game Design Workshop" Reading Journal Week 11

In this week's reading, the most valuable part for me is the part talking about character design (even though there's not really a visible character in our game). In previous games I made, character design was usually the part I spent the least time in because I was always too occupied with game mechanics and coding. Some times when I look back to my previous games, I feel like there is a lack of attraction from the characters. I think how the author talks about "the tension between player-controlled action and character- controlled action" really helps me reconsider character design from a different aspect. I always view character design to be some thing you simply present to players, but now I do think the way of controlling the characters is also an essential part of it.

Another thing I really like about this week's reading is that the book includes the "Emotional arc designs from Journey". I think for me it is really helpful to see how everything was planed in successful games and maybe I can use it as a reference in future games I work on.