Posts Tagged ‘game trophy’

Achievements and trophies are poorly implemented

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

Trophy news from examiner.com…
Achievements and trophies are poorly implemented

game trophies

game trophies

The ability to unlock achievements has become something of a phenomenon during this generation of gaming. Microsoft started this trend with the launch of the 360 back in November of 2005. Since that day, gamers have picked up titles with ravenous glee just so they can build up a gamerscore. Understanding the popularity of the feature, Sony adopted the system but allowed players to unlock trophies instead of achievements. Both systems are similar in practically every way and have kept gamers playing titles long after they’d typically forget about them. But what’s the purpose of these trophies and points? In a word: nothing. (more…)

Naughty Dog’s Lemarchand: Achievements Open A ‘New World Of Game Design’

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

Trophy news from the gaming world…
Naughty Dog’s Lemarchand: Achievements Open A ‘New World Of Game Design’

ehow artcle 150x150 Naughty Dogs Lemarchand: Achievements Open A New World Of Game Design

trophies


Speaking with Gamasutra as part of larger feature on in-game achievements, Naughty Dog’s (Uncharted) lead designer Richard Lemarchand praised player incentives for opening “a whole new world of game design”.

Lemarchand admits that earning trophies, Sony’s incentive system, is a fairly simple idea, but also recognizes that they can potentially reward a variety of play styles, from exploration and speed runs to total mastery. They are also a way to chronicle accomplishments in the game.

“We had 48 trophies in Uncharted,” he says. “We saw how much players enjoyed them, and it got us excited about applying ourselves more seriously to the design of our trophy system and trying to find trophies that are unique and really attention-grabbing. That’s what we’re doing right now [brainstorming trophies for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves].”

While the quest to collect trophies may drive some players into play styles that are not a natural fit for them, forcing them to complete tasks that negatively affect their experience with the game, the lead designer believes that in-game achievements also have the potential to break habits and preconceptions. (more…)