Interview with game designer Nikolai Dybovsky: 5 secrets to success

Contents:

• Deepening into Game Design Nodes and Archetypes: Course Program
• Prospects of Game Narrative: Nikolai Dybovsky's Opinion

Deepening into Game Design Nodes and Archetypes: Course Program

We'll discuss our course and the process of creating a game concept. Creating a game concept can be the result of logical analysis, for example, the desire to develop an anime novel in a Victorian style. In other cases, it can be an intuitive process based on creative ideas and inspiration. In your case, how does the concept formation occur?

Approaches to game creation can indeed vary, and there is no universal recipe. However, based on my observations, it can be noted that many interesting ideas arise during interaction with other games. Often, when a player spends a long time playing a favorite game, it begins to cause fatigue, at this point new thoughts appear: "What if?" These ideas begin to be perceived as already formed concepts, ready for implementation. Interacting with various game mechanics and stories can inspire the creation of a unique gaming experience that will attract the attention of players.

As part of our course, we study in detail the concept of "game design nodes". These nodes represent key elements that help structure and organize the game creation process. They allow developers to focus on important aspects of the game experience, such as mechanics, interactions, and narrative. Understanding game design nodes is essential for creating engaging and coherent games, as they serve as the foundation for all game elements and ensure the integrity of the project. Learning these nodes will help you become a more effective developer and improve the quality of your games.

I've used mind mapping in the past by creating diagrams on paper or a wall with keywords like "conflict," "goal," and "choice." However, the term "circles" seemed inappropriate to me, as it doesn't convey the full essence and structure inherent in mind maps. These visual maps help organize thoughts and ideas, deepening your understanding of complex topics. Using such tools promotes more effective problem solving and informed decision making.

The term "nodes" more accurately conveys the essence of the concept, as it incorporates the ideas of interconnectedness and indivisibility, similar to a node in a mechanism. Game design is based on interconnections, and using this engineering term helps novice developers better understand the underlying principles. This peculiarity of the Russian language allows for more precise communication of meanings and ideas, which facilitates better assimilation of the material.

Nodes are the fundamental pillars upon which game mechanics are built. These elements play a key role in determining the game's engagement. Jesse Schell describes similar concepts as "lenses," emphasizing the importance of taking a fresh look at basic ideas. He believes that developers often underestimate fundamental concepts and encourages considering them from different perspectives. Schell's textbook has become one of the most valued resources in the gaming industry, providing useful tools for creating engaging gaming experiences.

Archetypes in game design play a key role in creating memorable characters. Why do some heroes stick in players' minds while others fade into the background? The answer lies in a deep understanding of archetypes and their influence on character perception. Creating a strong hero requires considering their motivations, personality, and role in the plot. It is important to develop a multi-layered personality that will evoke emotion and empathy in players. Using classic archetypes such as the protector, seeker, or antagonist helps create recognizable images, but it is also important to add unique traits to make the character original. As a result, well-thought-out archetypes can not only enrich the plot but also make the game more engaging for players.

When I began teaching, I immediately turned my attention to literary archetypes. However, I soon realized that they are truly only useful for those with significant literary experience and a basic understanding of plot. For students without such a background, archetypes can be ineffective. It's like a key to a box lost at sea: without the necessary knowledge and context, it won't unlock the door to understanding. If a student can't quickly recall the relevant quote or context, archetypes won't be as useful. For beginners, I recommend using a simpler approach to character development. Focus on the actions and abilities they can perform, rather than delving into their background, ancestry, or preferences. These aspects aren't key to character development. What matters is what the character can do. Start by defining their actions, and in the process, you can identify any skills or qualities they lack. This method will allow you to create a more dynamic and interesting character that will develop throughout the game.

Action testing is a profound and enlightening experience for players. As they play, they begin to understand the traps they can fall into. A character who at first seems engaging and multifaceted may actually be a stereotype, pursuing only immortality or summoning demons. This realization underscores the importance of character choice and motivation, making gameplay more rich and meaningful.

When you realize the antagonist has the ability to read minds, archetypes begin to emerge. They are always aware of your location, and it's impossible to hide from them, as their understanding of the world is equal to their knowledge of the rules of the game. This creates a compelling character who becomes an interesting adversary. Lead with action, demonstrating their abilities, and allow the reader to feel the tension that arises from their presence. Such an antagonist can not only complicate the plot, but also make it more exciting, adding depth and intrigue to the development of events.

Prospects of Game Narrative: Nikolai Dybowski's Opinion

Nikolay Dybowski, a renowned game designer, shares his preferences for games with a deep and engaging storyline. His list of favorite projects includes such games as Disco Elysium, Florence, and Sky: Children of the Light. Nikolai particularly highlights the work of Double Fine studio and is eagerly awaiting the release of Psychonauts 2, as the first part left a vivid and unforgettable impression on him. Also on his all-time list of favorites is the game To the Moon, which touches on important emotional themes and leaves a lasting impression.

In a discussion of the casualization of games, Dybowski emphasizes that this phenomenon does not harm the genre. He argues that the concept of "total casualization" is a myth and explains that changes in player behavior are an adaptation to modern conditions. Scientific research confirms that due to information excess, our brains need help, and games are becoming important tools for processing this information flow.

Dybowski argues that games are not only entertainment, but also an important tool for training and adapting to modern challenges. He believes that the process of casualization is a temporary stage necessary to simplify interaction with gaming products in the face of information excess. It's important to understand that games can be an effective way to develop skills, critical thinking, and emotional resilience, which is especially relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Music plays a significant role in Dybowski's life. He prefers to listen to new music while working, even if he doesn't always like it. This helps him draw inspiration and find creative solutions. Recently, he has been particularly drawn to the work of Cambodian singer Ros Sereysothea, highlighting his interest in diverse musical styles and cultural influences.

For those who want to write stories for games, literature plays an important role. Dybowski recommends classic works such as Thornton Wilder's The Bridge of Saint Louis and David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas. These books can be a source of inspiration for developing unique plots and creating unusual worlds. They demonstrate how unconventional structures and deep characters can enrich a game's narrative. Reading such works helps authors broaden their horizons and learn the art of storytelling, a key element in creating engaging game stories.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dybowski faced conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he recognized the seriousness of the situation, but on the other, he was relieved that it hadn't turned into an even more dangerous epidemic. As an epidemic researcher, he understood how critical this development could have been under different circumstances.

Nikolay Dybowski emphasizes the importance of mastering the Unreal Engine for modern game designers. In the second part of the interview, he focuses on the importance of technical skills in the gaming industry, noting that knowledge of this powerful tool is becoming essential for a successful career in game development. With technology constantly evolving, learning to work with Unreal Engine opens up new opportunities for creative solutions and the implementation of ambitious projects in game design.