Designer Notes Designer Notes 42: David Sirlin - Part 2
Oct 6, 2018
David Sirlin, a veteran game designer known for his work on Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Yomi, delves into game design principles and experiences in the industry. He discusses the balance of hit points in games, emphasizing how minimalism can enhance player experience. Sirlin shares insights on challenges faced in game development, including funding struggles and the competitive indie landscape. Additionally, he reflects on innovative mechanics in games like Puzzle Strike and Divekick, highlighting the importance of interaction and player engagement.
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Genesis of a Fighting Game
- David Sirlin shared how a volunteer coder created a prototype for his simple fighting game idea within two days.
- Their collaboration evolved through iterations to polish the core gameplay concept.
Scaling Hit Points Adds Depth
- Increasing hit points from one to six added strategic depth in the simplified fighting game.
- Discrete hit point chunks improve player understanding and gameplay clarity.
Divekick's Joke Game Origins
- Divekick started as a joke flash game for a tournament and evolved into a commercial product.
- Despite success, its joke framing hurt its long-term perception and player retention.
