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Linearity describes the sequence of challenges required to finish a video or computer game. A more linear game will confront a player with a fixed sequence of challenges, while a less linear game will allow greater player freedom. For example, a nonlinear game may permit multiple sequences to finish the game, a choice between paths to victory, or optional side-quests and subplots. A game typically features both linear and nonlinear elements. But some games allow players to explore the game environment independently from the game's main objectives.
A game that is noticeably nonlinear will sometimes be described as open-ended, as an open world, or as a sandbox. Nonlinear games are sometimes described as providing emergent gameplay.
History of non-linear gameplay
Though Grand Theft Auto 3 popularized the open world design in 2001 with its 3D environment, earlier games such as Metroid (1986) had already explored the nonlinear concept in 2D.
Description
Story and plot
A more linear game will feature a fixed plot in a single sequence. Most games feature a linear storyline.
In a truly nonlinear game, there often is no story. A truly nonlinear story will be written entirely by the actions of the player, and is thus a difficult design challenge. As such, nonlinear stories usually preserve the overall story arc while allowing multiple solutions to a specific challenge, or a choice between multiple challenges.
Level design
A game level or world can be linear or nonlinear as well. In a game with linear levels, there is only one route that the player must take through the level. In games with nonlinear levels, players might have to revisit locations or choose from multiple paths to finish the level.
As with other game elements, linear level design is not absolute. While a nonlinear level may offer players the freedom to explore or backtrack, there still may be a fixed sequence of challenges that a player must solve in order to complete the level. Even if a player must confront the challenges in a fixed sequence, they may be given the freedom to seek and identify these challenges without having them presented one after the other.
A more linear game will require a player to finish every single level in a fixed sequence in order to win. The ability to skip, repeat, or choose between levels will make a game less linear. When a level is sufficiently large and open-ended, it may be described as a sandbox.
Sandbox mode
In a game with a sandbox mode, a player may turn off or ignore game objectives. This term is used to describe a mode or option in otherwise goal oriented games, and should be distinguished from open-ended games with no objectives such as Sim City and The Sims.
A sandbox-like structure of gameplay is featured prominently in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. These and other games with virtual environments that the player may explore are also known as open world games. Other games where players may ignore the game objectives and explore the world as a sandbox include Freelancer, and Crackdown.
References
- Game Design Essentials: 20 Open World Games
- Kohler, Chris (2008-01-04). "Assassin's Creed And The Future Of Sandbox Games". Wired.com. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- Kohler, Chris (2007-11-23). "Review: Why Assassin's Creed Fails". Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- "AOL News "Steal a glimpse inside 'Grand Theft Auto IV'"". AOL. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ "Bill Money Interview About Deus Ex". DeusEx-Machina.com. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ Sorens, Neil (2008-02-14). "Stories from the sandbox". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- "Interview - Freelancer". CVG. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|name=ignored (help) - "Sierra unveils Prototype, not the first sandbox adventure". Joystiq. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|name=ignored (help) - ^ Adams, Ernest (November 1, 2007). "50 Greatest Game Design Innovations" (HTML). Next Generation Magazine. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ Plante, Chris (May 12, 2008). "Opinion: 'All The World's A Sandbox'" (HTML). Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
- "Freelancer (PC)" (HTML). CNET (GameSpot). March 4, 2003. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
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