Level Up.pdf

A Short Word on Minigames and Microgames 351
plenty of space around the item so the player can eventually spot and select
the answer. Play with image orientation, color, and size to keep your players
hunting.
Fill in the answer: this requires keyboard or writing tablet input. Make sure
your word parser is flexible enough to allow for synonyms, colloquialisms,
and regional terms. DS game Scribblenauts has 22,802 words in their
vocabulary! If your puzzle ’ s vocabulary is smaller than that, consider letting
the player learn what words are available so they don ’ t waste time guessing
ones that aren ’ t available.
A Short Word on Minigames and Microgames
A minigame is a simple game created to provide variety, represent
activities, and add value to a product. Many minigames are based on or are
variations of classic arcade and classic home console games.
A microgame is a minigame that takes seconds to play. Half of the
challenge of microgames is learning how to play them within the short time
allotted. The Warioware titles are compilations of microgames.
Minigames offer many advantages to game developers. They are quick to
create and test, they are easy to play, and they can be used as metaphors
for complex player activities. I truly believe ANY activity can be represented
by a minigame. Observe:
• Lockpicking: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2K, 2006)
• Hacking electronics: Batman: Arkham Asylum (WBI, 2009)
• Portrait painting: Spongebob Atlantis Squarepantis (THQ, 2008)
• Tagging walls: The Warriors (Rockstar, 2005)
• Cooking dinner: Cooking Mama (Majesco, 2006)
• Serving dinner: Diner Dash (Playfirst, 2003)
• Sex: God of War (SCEA, 2005).
Any activity.
When designing a minigame, make sure to:
• Keep the controls simple. Minigames by their nature imply easy- to - learn
gameplay.
• Keep the gameplay sessions short. No longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
Microgames can last only a few seconds long.
• How does progression work? It is designed or random? Ramp the difficulty
gently. Minigames are meant to provide variety, not torture the player.