Tagged Questions

0
votes
0answers
102 views

Is it a good idea to use a formula to balance a game's complexity, in order to keep players in constant flow?

I read a lot about Flow theory and its applications to video games, and I got an idea sticking in my mind. If a number of weight values are applied to different parameters of a certain game level ...
0
votes
1answer
275 views

How can I scale player/enemy stats to balance the difficulty just right?

I'm creating an old school top-down grid based RPG, where you enter random encounters every few steps. I want to know what kind of systems or guidelines there are for creating the leveling and stats ...
10
votes
3answers
455 views

Practical balance of “chance” video game mechanics

I've been a small games developer and designer for years, and I've recently begun working on more serious design documents for bigger projects. A common theme I'm running in to is imbalance when it ...
2
votes
2answers
136 views

Different methods of ammo resupply

I'm writing a small game at the moment. Presently, I have one or two design elements that aren't locked down yet, and I wanted to ask for input on one of these. For dramatic effect, the player's ...
2
votes
2answers
228 views

Managing the base HP of a game

I'm creating a simple turn-based 2D Tile RPG in JavaScript/jQuery (using HTML5 Canvas) and the hardest part is the formulas. I got the EXP per level down. I have a base level. I'm trying to see what a ...
-1
votes
2answers
197 views

What percentage of development time should I spend in balancing?

As an indie developer, I am inclined to release the game as soon as it is 'finished'. In hindsight, most of my games could have used more balancing. I know that there is no fixed answer to this ...
29
votes
8answers
2k views

Is it possible to calculate or mathematically prove if a game is balanced / fair?

This question is not focussed on video games but games in general. I went to a boardgame trade fair yesterday and asked myself if there is a way to calculate the fairness of a game. Sure, some of them ...
3
votes
1answer
675 views

Stuck on development of turn-based-strategy game

I am developing a turn based political/military strategy game similar to the DOS game Conflict. I have my game design document completed, but I'm having trouble actually putting together the logic of ...
2
votes
2answers
347 views

Name of a certain gameplay mechanism

I would like to identify the name of a certain gameplay mechanism. It is fairly commonly seen but probably best illustrated with card games: A game played with a pack of cards usually has card values ...
7
votes
5answers
408 views

Balancing upgraded units vs. non-upgraded ones

The essence of this question is basically this: consider a strategy, RTS or a tower defence game, where you have the choice to build a new unit or to upgrade an existing one. The upgraded unit is ...
2
votes
1answer
197 views

AI controlled monster vs player controlled monster stats

Does anyone know if in a pokemon game does the wild pokemon have the same stats when you catch it as it did in that battle? and to make this a more programming question ... In that type of game ...
18
votes
3answers
514 views

How do you choose the right price of items in your games?

I have a game in which the player earns money for wining races and, then, he can spend that money to unlock new levels or to improve his vehicle. Now, I am choosing the money you earn and the prices ...
16
votes
12answers
848 views

Balance in online PvP games

I don't know if there's an accepted solution to this wicked problem. I'm thinking about the design of an online PvP game. A key aspect of the game, something that is just a given, and not my choice, ...
12
votes
6answers
549 views

How is game difficulty tested/balanced?

How is game difficulty typically tested or balanced so that there's a steady progression of difficulty; how do I ensure that no level is too difficult or too easy for its point in the game? Are play ...
16
votes
9answers
824 views

How do/should MMOs handle disconnection during PvP?

In an MMO (not even necessarily an MMORPG) what are some techniques for dealing with players disconnecting in the middle of PvP? In particular - how do you avoid adversely affecting people who get ...
4
votes
4answers
259 views

Balancing a game about gladiatorial robot combat

Suppose a player can construct a robot built from various parts and each part costs money. How would you balance the cost of a weapon against its capabilities? What about balancing weapons against ...