✎ en:patterns:against_time [Design of location-based mobile games]

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====== Against time ======
**Against time** provides a {{tagpage>challenge}} where players have to act under pressure of time.

Time pressure might be defined as **absolute** or **relative to other events**. It might be about reaching a specific [[en:patterns:spatial_structure|location]] in a specific time, or before a [[en:patterns:competition|competitor]], or before a [[en:patterns:real_world_event|real-world event]].

The pattern might be applied to the whole game or only to parts of it. As in any {{tagpage>challenge}}, player performance against time can be valued with a [[en:patterns:reward|reward or penalty]], with a [[en:patterns:score]] (e.g. for example to have a penalty in points if a time limit is surpassed), or it can lead to different [[en:patterns:narrative_flow|narrative flow]].

Playing **against time** has interesting implications when it is done against [[en:patterns:real_world_event|real-world time]]. Events in the real world might trigger a timer or might denote a time limit (see heuristic [[en:heuristics:heuristics#1.7]]).

In multiplayer [[en:patterns:competition|competition]] or [[en:patterns:cooperation|cooperation]] games, a challenge **against time** might help to [[en:patterns:temporal_structure|structure the game in time]]. Different stages of the game can be synced to specific time events so as to avoid periods where players are waiting for other player to finish a stage in order for the game to continue.

**Against time** affects the pace of the game and can lead to situations where player decisions are taken under pressure. That can restrict the opportunities for {{tagpage>learning|reflection}}, the formulation of meaningful [[en:patterns:strategy|strategies]] or might lead to disorientation regarding their tasks or [[en:patterns:player_goals|goals]].

The extend of the time limits should be well considered. That is especially true in tasks (missions, quests etc.) that relate to the [[en:patterns:spatial_structure|spatial structure]] of the game. For example, distances and the time required to cover them should be taken into account, as well as the overall distance a player has already walked or run in a game.

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=== Related heuristics ===
[[en:heuristics:heuristics#2.9]]

[[en:heuristics:heuristics#3.5]]
{{tag>challenge}}
{{tag>multiplayer}}

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