Player differentiation, player roles

This pattern lets players be differentiated from each other.

Players can be differentiated in various ways:

• symmetrically, or zero-sum, where players have abilities and roles that are complimentary to each other. A widely used pattern is rock-paper-scissors. An escalation of the rock-paper-scissors pattern might ask players to combine their abilities in order to overcome a challenge or solve a puzzle.
• non symmetrically, where some of the players or participants have a special role, e.g. games with a moderator or games where there is a leader in the teams.

Another differentiation might be on the basis of the information awareness pattern. For example, players who have access to special information may use that against opponents who may have an advantage in numbers.

The possible actions of the players in the game and their respective motivations, either in the physical or the digital world are a way of expressing player differentiation. Ways of providing differentiation are:

• Game tools, e.g. a player might have a specialized radar or a scanner to find out the positions of opponents.
• Equipment, e.g. some members of a team might have a tablet while others may take the role of a scout or messenger.
• Players might be provided with different
  • goals, or
  • starting conditions, or
  • information

Player differentiation might be supported by or lead to the emergence of a narrative background.

Game tools

narrative

team forming

3.2

5.1

5.2