How do you design engaging and fair pvp game modes for different genres?

1 Know your audience

The first step in designing a pvp game mode is to understand your target audience and their preferences. What kind of genre are you making? Is it a shooter, a strategy, a role-playing, or a sports game? Each genre has its own conventions and expectations for pvp, such as the level of realism, the pace of action, the complexity of mechanics, and the role of teamwork. You need to tailor your pvp game mode to fit your genre and appeal to your audience.

3 Vary your options

The third step in designing a pvp game mode is to vary your options and offer diversity and choice to your players. You want to create a dynamic and replayable experience where players can explore different strategies, tactics, and outcomes. You need to avoid creating a monotonous and predictable experience where players can get bored or frustrated. You can use various methods to vary your options, such as adding different maps, modes, weapons, skills, and modifiers to your pvp game mode.

4 Test your feedback

The fourth step in designing a pvp game mode is to test your feedback and measure the impact and satisfaction of your players. You want to create a responsive and rewarding experience where players can see the results and consequences of their actions, but also receive constructive and meaningful feedback. You need to avoid creating a confusing and discouraging experience where players can't understand or improve their performance. You can use various methods to test your feedback, such as collecting data, surveys, reviews, and comments from your players.

5 Learn from examples

The fifth step in designing a pvp game mode is to learn from examples and study the best practices and innovations of other games. You want to create a unique and original experience that stands out from the crowd, but also draws inspiration and lessons from the success and failure of other games. You need to avoid creating a generic and derivative experience that copies or imitates other games. You can use various methods to learn from examples, such as playing, researching, analyzing, and comparing other pvp game modes.

6 Have fun with it

The sixth and final step in designing a pvp game mode is to have fun with it and enjoy the process and the product. You want to create a fun and engaging experience that reflects your vision and passion, but also entertains and delights your players. You need to avoid creating a dull and boring experience that lacks creativity and personality. You can use various methods to have fun with it, such as experimenting, collaborating, iterating, and polishing your pvp game mode.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?