Doors have been an integral part of game design since the days of Pong and Pac-Man. They serve as gateways to new levels, new worlds, and new challenges. However, many game developers struggle with designing doors that are both functional and engaging. In this article, we’ll explore why game developers hate doors, the psychology behind it, and how you can design them better.
The Psychology of Doors in Games
There are several psychological factors that contribute to the frustration that game developers experience when designing doors. One such factor is the concept of “flow.” Flow is a state of optimal experience that occurs when a person is fully immersed in an activity, and their skills match the challenge at hand. When doors interrupt this flow, they can create frustration and break the player’s immersion.
Another psychological factor is the use of symbolism. Doors are often associated with opportunity, progress, and unlocking new possibilities. In games, they can represent a sense of achievement or failure. When these associations are not handled correctly, doors can become a source of stress and anxiety for players.
The Importance of User Experience
User experience (UX) is critical in game design. Doors are an essential part of the UX, and their design can significantly impact player satisfaction and retention. A poorly designed door can lead to frustration, confusion, and ultimately, disengagement from the game. On the other hand, a well-designed door can enhance the player’s experience and create a sense of accomplishment.
Case Studies: Designing Doors in Popular Games
Let’s look at some real-world examples of doors in popular games and how they impact player experience.
Portal 2
Portal 2 is a physics-based puzzle game that uses portals as its primary mechanic. Portals are essentially teleportation devices that allow players to move from one point to another quickly. The portals create a sense of immersion and flow, as players use their skills to navigate through increasingly complex puzzles. However, the game’s portals also have doors attached to them, which can interrupt the flow and cause frustration.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world adventure game that features numerous doors throughout its vast world. These doors often lead to new areas or side quests, but their design can be confusing and overwhelming. Players must explore every nook and cranny of the game’s world to find all the doors, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a vast open-world action-adventure game that features numerous doors throughout its world. These doors often lead to new missions or side quests, but their design can be confusing and overwhelming. Players must explore every nook and cranny of the game’s world to find all the doors, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
How to Design Doors that Enhance Player Experience
Now that we’ve looked at some real-world examples of doors in games, let’s explore how you can design them better to enhance player experience.
Use Clear and Consistent Designs
The design of a door should be clear and consistent throughout the game. Players should be able to quickly identify what a door is and what it does without having to rely on context clues. Additionally, doors should be designed with a sense of hierarchy, so players know which ones are more important or challenging.
Use Sound Effects and Visual Cues
Sound effects and visual cues can help guide players towards doors and create a sense of anticipation. For example, a door that leads to a new level could have a unique sound effect or visual effect that distinguishes it from other doors in the game.
