"Metroid is very serious." Secrets & Easter Eggs; Player Trust
Mar 16, 2023
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Gaming journalist Patricia Hernandez and gaming writer Jordan Baranowski discuss secrets and easter eggs in video games, including favorites and least favorites. They also explore the importance of player trust in game development, emphasizing consistent controls and creating a world where players feel capable and immersed. Effective communication and gathering feedback for game design adjustments are also discussed.
The distinction between secrets and Easter eggs helps guide design choices, balancing difficulty and aligning with the tone and narrative of the game.
Developers should establish and honor player trust by ensuring responsive controls, consistent outcomes, and predictable game behavior.
Playing with player expectations within the established trust can enhance the gaming experience, as long as consistency and intentional surprises are maintained.
Deep dives
The Lord of the Mountain in Breath of the Wild
One of my favorite secrets in games is the Lord of the Mountain in Breath of the Wild. This spirit creature can be found in a specific location and is unique in that it cannot be stabled or kept. It offers a different experience for players who stumble upon it, but it is not crucial to the main storyline.
Behind the White Blocks in Super Mario 3
One of the classic secrets in gaming is the ability to go behind the white blocks in Super Mario 3. This secret does not have a clear purpose or explanation, but it rewards players with a power-up. It is intriguing because it is not implied by the gameplay and requires exploration and experimentation to discover.
Negative Experience with Super Metroid
On the other hand, I had a negative experience with the secrets in Super Metroid. Specifically, the game's reward for achieving a high percentage completion. Instead of offering a compelling or meaningful reward, the game undresses the protagonist, which felt out of place and undermined the experience for me.
Considerations for Secrets and Easter Eggs
When incorporating secrets and Easter eggs in games, there are a few factors to consider. First, the distinction between a secret and an Easter egg can help guide the design choices. Secrets are hidden elements within the game that may be crucial to progression, while Easter eggs are non-essential hidden references or surprises. It is important to balance the difficulty of finding secrets, ensuring that they are not too obscure or frustrating. Additionally, designers should be mindful of how these secrets and Easter eggs are perceived by players and whether they align with the tone and narrative of the game. Finally, considering the target audience and their familiarity with certain references or cultural significance can also enhance or detract from the enjoyment of these hidden elements.
Building Trust with Players
When players begin playing a game, they are essentially entering into a contract with the developer based on trust. Developers have a responsibility to recognize and honor the trust players place in their games. Failing to do so can result in players quickly losing interest in the game, leaving negative reviews, and damaging the developer's reputation. It is crucial for developers to establish that trust by ensuring controls are responsive, actions have consistent outcomes, and players can predict and understand the game's behavior. By earning and maintaining player trust, developers can create an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Balancing Expectations and Surprises
Developers have the opportunity to play with player expectations within the established trust, but this must be done carefully. Offering surprises and unexpected twists can enhance the gaming experience, as long as it doesn't shatter the trust completely. Players are willing to accept surprises and occasional challenges as long as they feel the experience is intentional and authored by the developer. Consistency in gameplay, communication, and predictability contribute to player trust and immersion. By understanding player expectations and building trust through consistent gameplay mechanics, developers can create engaging experiences that players will enjoy.
