"The Psychology of Defeat" and the Rules of Working in a Screenwriting Team — What to Watch About Game Development

Contents:

• How the save system affects game design
• How losing in games affects different people
• How to work in a team of scriptwriters and writers
• Interview with game designer Kirill Zolovkin

Every Friday, Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team presents new videos in Russian and English dedicated to games, their development, and game design. In this episode, we'll discuss the secrets of creating save systems, the "psychology of defeat," and how losing influences player behavior. You'll also be able to watch a lecture on how to effectively work in a writing team. Don't miss out on useful materials to improve your game development skills.

How a Save System Affects Game Design

Creating videos about save systems in games without mentioning the bonfires and checkpoints from Dark Souls and other FromSoftware action RPGs is entirely possible. A new video from the Design Doc YouTube channel clearly demonstrates this. It examines various approaches to saving progress in games, from automatic saving to manual saving. The video covers a wide range of game genres and offers a fresh perspective on how developers can implement unique saving mechanics that impact gameplay and player interaction with the game world. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how saving systems shape gameplay and user experience. Instead of endlessly praising the Japanese studio, the video's author focused on saving in the era of eight-bit consoles. In this context, it is worth noting that in some classic games, users could "sign in" using codes. Furthermore, the author took a detailed look at saving systems used in modern video games, highlighting their evolution and impact on gameplay. The blogger cited a unique approach to recording progress in the 3D platformer Demon Turf as an example. This game lacks traditional saving mechanisms such as manual saving. Instead, players are given a limited number of checkpoints that they can place throughout the level as they see fit. This innovative idea, developed by the creators of Demon Turf, has had a significant impact on the design of game locations and the way players explore levels in search of hidden secrets. This approach not only changes the perception of progression but also encourages more active interaction with the surrounding world.

How Losing in Games Affects Different People

Is there a difference between the desire to win and the desire to avoid losing? Yes, there is, and it influences how players behave after a failure. Some players decide to stop playing forever or for an extended period, while others choose to distract themselves and soon return to a difficult moment in the game to try again. Understanding these differences can help game developers and coaches better support players, creating more effective strategies for overcoming difficulties and increasing motivation.

In his new video, YouTuber Daryl Talks Games takes a detailed look at the "psychology of defeat." He illustrates this concept with an example that is familiar to many players. Imagine facing a boss in Elden Ring for the first time and managing to take 80% of its health in one attempt. You're close to victory, and now confidently head from the respawn point to the boss to use your experience and finish the battle. However, despite your efforts, neither on your second nor your twenty-second attempt are you able to take even half of the boss's health. This example highlights how initial success can lead to a false sense of confidence, which ultimately leads to repeated failures and disappointment. What exactly are you doing wrong in the game? Perhaps the game is simply testing your patience. The answer lies in the regulatory focus theory, developed by a Columbia University psychology professor. This theory posits that people tend to choose one of two approaches to achieving goals. Some strive to achieve success (in the context of games, victory), while others focus on avoiding failure. If you fall into the latter category, then when facing a boss in Elden Ring, you may subconsciously try to repeat your previous successes, while the process of winning itself will become secondary. Understanding your approach to the game can help you change your strategy and improve your chances of success.

The video's author argues that in different situations, the same people can choose one or another way to achieve their goals. This emphasizes the flexibility of approaches and the variety of strategies that can be applied depending on the circumstances.

How to Work in a Team of Writers and Screenwriters

When discussing the scripts of popular TV series or successful AAA games, usually all the credit goes to a single lead writer. Rarely, two screenwriters are mentioned if their names are known to a wide audience. However, in reality, an entire team of professional writers and screenwriters is behind the creation of large projects. Their collaboration, ideas, and creativity play a key role in developing engaging stories and characters, making each project unique and memorable. Teamwork and feedback contribute to the creation of a deeper, more multi-layered narrative structure, which ultimately attracts the attention of viewers and players.

In Hollywood and the Western gaming industry, such teams are called Writers' Rooms. These aren't just physical spaces where participants gather to discuss ideas and brainstorm, but also a unique ideology and approach to organizing the workflow. Writers' Rooms enable the creation of high-quality content by bringing together talented screenwriters and fostering creative interaction. This method fosters the generation of unique ideas and improves collective creativity, which is especially important in today's rapidly changing world of entertainment.

Writers with diverse experience and ages gather in creative thinking rooms. Each performs unique tasks, but they are all united by a single goal: to generate a variety of ideas for creating compelling stories. Screenwriters exchange thoughts, explore new approaches, and draw inspiration from one another, allowing them to find original solutions and develop their projects. These collaborative efforts result in scripts that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Working in a writing team has its own unique challenges, depending on the experience level of the participants. In a new talk on the GDC YouTube channel, screenwriter and comic book author Antony Johnston shares key insights into the importance of the Writers' Room, its structure, and how team leaders can optimize the writing process. Johnston emphasizes that proper organization and team management significantly improve the efficiency of the creative process and contribute to the creation of high-quality content.

Anthony Johnston is the acclaimed author of the graphic novel The Coldest City, which served as the basis for the film Atomic Blonde. He is also a writer for such popular video games as Dead Space, Shadow of Mordor, and Resident Evil: Village. Thanks to his talent and creative approach, Johnston has earned recognition in both the comic book and gaming industries.

Interview with game designer Kirill Zolovkin

An extensive interview with game designer Kirill Zolovkin has been published on the Lava Lampa YouTube channel. He is the head of the Heart Core studio and is working on an action game about a biker called Gripper. The interview discusses key aspects of the game's development, its concept and unique mechanics that will make the project stand out from the crowd.

Kirill shared important aspects during the interview. He discussed the key moments of his professional life, shared the experience that helped him achieve success in his field. Kirill also emphasized the importance of personal motivation and continuous learning to achieve goals. His advice can be useful for those seeking to develop and advance their careers. The interview highlighted the importance of networking and building strong professional connections, which can play a decisive role in one's career.

• about the first steps in the gaming industry;
• about the motivation of an independent developer;
• about professionalism in game development;
• about the essence of game design;
• and about the "Manifesto of Naive Games".

A separate article about the "Manifesto..." was published on the Skillbox Media platform, where Kirill detailed the concept according to which a successful game does not always require a combat system or a complex plot. In this context, he emphasizes that the key factors are gameplay and user interaction. This approach allows for the creation of unique projects that can attract audience attention, even without the traditional elements characteristic of most games.

Read also:

Manifesto of naive games: the position of game designer Kirill Zolovkin on gameplay mechanics without

Game designer Kirill Zolovkin argues that games can be engaging and interesting without resorting to violence. His manifesto for naive games emphasizes that gameplay can focus on creativity, exploration, and collaboration. Zolovkin emphasizes the importance of creating game mechanics that foster positive emotions and social interactions between players. He believes that games can not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and unite people. The importance of such approaches in game design is especially relevant in today's society, where media violence can have a negative impact on young people. Zolovkin's manifesto offers an alternative view of gameplay, where the focus shifts from conflict to creation.