Design lens

Context and sequence

A challenge gains meaning from where it appears, how it fits its environment, and what earlier or later challenges prepare. Review timing, local systems, escalation, and aftermath together.

ADAPTED FROM GDC 2018

A check from Boss Up

This lens connects to one of the talk’s practical rules.

Fit context and sequence

Connect place, supporting actors, timing, neighboring challenges, and consequences into one setup.

Mechanics

Mechanics that use this lens

Structure and readability

Telegraph

A telegraph communicates an upcoming attack’s timing.

Structure and readability

Fight phase

A health.

Projectiles

Crossfire

Two independent sources fire through the arena so their projectile paths intersect.

Projectiles

Splitting projectile

One projectile reaches a readable trigger, disappears, and releases several committed fragments.

Projectiles

Returning projectile

A projectile travels away from its owner, turns at a readable point, and creates a second dangerous pass on the way back.

Projectiles

Orbiting projectiles

Projectiles remain attached to one center and rotate as a spaced moving perimeter.

Encounter goals and vulnerability

Persistent encounter progress

Completed encounter objectives survive player defeat, so a new attempt resumes from an explicit authored milestone instead of rebuilding the whole fight.

Learn more

Learn more

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