ABSTRACT
This chapter dives more deeply into the formal elements of games and discusses the ways that designers can use these elements to create different kinds of play experiences. Formal elements discussed include: the invitation to players, the numbers and roles of players, and types of player interaction patterns. Also discussed are objectives including capture, alignment, race, rescue, escape, forbidden acts, construction, exploration, solution, or outwitting. Other formal elements covered include procedures, rules, and resources, including units, lives, health, action, currency, power-ups, inventory, special terrain, and time; and conflicts, including obstacles, opponents, and dilemmas; and the boundaries of games, and their outcomes.
