Write out three versions of the same gameplay sequence using the Play It, Display It, Say It model.  Create each possible solution.  Think about the implications of each.  Which is more satisfying for the player?


Well, I will do this backwards.  In order to know which would be more satisfying for the player, it must be taken in context of the game.  For example, let's say the main character needs to blow up a door.  At may be more appealing to have it displayed via video if it is just after a big battle and the door as the last thing that is in the way of the character's reward.  On the other hand, if the character is running from a bomb about to go off in a building, the player may wish to have his character blow up the door himself (esp. if there is a certain code that the player needs in order to escape).  Each way has its own reward, so to speak, by judging at what point in the game the character has reached.  A good game developer would know this because the developer him/herself loves to play video games.

Play It Goal:  To assassinate a high-ranking military official upon a space carrier called Daedalus.   The only weapon given to you is a shotgun.

Display It Goal:  After boarding the ship and being taken prisoner, you defeat the syndicate leader who has the admiral on board as his puppet.  Afterwards, you rush to the bridge of the ship with nothing but a shotgun and you blow out the man's brains as he looks at you in surprise.

Say It Goal:   Your superior reams you out as he recounts everything that you have done wrong on the mission.  Not only did you assassinate the wrong man, but you killed an undercover agent.  The whole operation has been exposed now to the enemy.