MSFlight design insight, or why it isn't your daddy's Flight Simulator anymore.

[Paxx]

Although not employed at Microsoft at this time, this guy John Hopson (http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhopson) and his theories seem to have struck a cord of agreement among those involved with the development of MSFlight.

A few of his concepts are outlined here (http://web.archive.org/web/20110214140437/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/authors/54/John_Hopson.php). Of special (creepy) interest is his article "Behavioral Game Design" found here (http://web.archive.org/web/20110219121742/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3085/behavioral_game_design.php). For extra creepiness just let the last sentence of the article on page two sink in ..."By understanding the fundamental patterns that underlie how players respond to what we ask of them, we can design games to bring out the kind of player we want."

When you can't create, hire a behavioral PHD and manipulate.
Sounds fun doesn't it.
;)

[alaskancrab]

Miyamota, Kojima, Houser,Meier, Carnack?

ok. I'm sure John Hopson will be speaking at E3 right? Or maybe TED? :)

[Paxx]

Miyamota, Kojima, Houser,Meier, Carnack?

ok. I'm sure John Hopson will be speaking at E3 right? Or maybe TED? :)

P.T. Barnum, Confidence Men, Rev. Jim Jones, Shysters, Pickup Artists?
I'm pretty sure simplistic B.F Skinner theory has already hit the speaking circuit. I didn't say it (Opulent Behavior Conditioning) doesn't work. I said it appears to be why MSFlight isn't your daddy's Flight Simulator anymore.

Unfortunately for Microsoft, myself and a few others, Microsoft has forgotten to provide the peanut the rats in the box desire (DLC). Pigs on the wing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk23oq4MTUw).

[alaskancrab]

Yup complete mind control by microsoft, by making a better game! Oh my god where did they ever come up with the idea that it might force people to buy a game they already BUY!

[mgh]

By understanding the fundamental patterns that underlie how players respond to what we ask of them, we can design games to bring out the kind of player we want."[/I]

I see ltittle insight or creepiness there. All it's saying (admittedly in jargon) is "let's find out what features will be attractive to our customers and provide them."

All suppliers do that.

[azzaro]

Doubleplusungood. — Bob

[fxsttcb]

"By understanding the fundamental patterns that underlie how players respond to what we ask of them, we can design games to bring out the kind of player we want."Kinda reminiscent of Ivan Pavlov's study. http://psychology.about.com/od/classicalconditioning/a/pavlovs-dogs.htm ...Don

[vonBobo]

Very interesting! I think this article can somewhat explain the differnces between a simmer and gamer. Seems to me that the simmer is self reliant, working towards thier own goals and rewards, where as a gamer is dependant upon the software's reward schedule.

Flight has attempted to answer that whole "what do i do next?" dilema that gamers face when playing a simulation. I think all of us have probably felt that within our beloved sim at one time, maybe that is why we go through such great lengths in the addon market, maybe that is our surroget reward system?

I think Flight does an ok job of offering multiple different tasks to do, as the article stated is a tactic for keeping gamers interested when the rewards are temporarily low. But I'm not so sure I agree with Flights reward system. The points and levels are almost arbitrary in my opinion, and I have never found myself needing to get to the next level so I can "x". Perhaps when more features are released, like AP, GPS, ATC, or even a 737, the players will be required to be at a minimum level to use the equipment?

I have one suggestion- I would like the gaming elements to be a bit more flexible for simulation needs. Right now, I am fairly bored with Flight while waiting for more DLC, and there isnt much point for me to start "simming" in Flight because it will do nothing for the (perceived) gaming rewards. I would like the ability to create my own jobs, challenges, etc and still be rewarded for their completion, instead of having to choose from the ones available in game. This would give me the option of creating my own flying experience as with a simulation, but still get "rewarded" within the game mechanics.

[fritzgohl]

I would like the ability to create my own jobs, challenges, etc and still be rewarded for their completion, instead of having to choose from the ones available in game. This would give me the option of creating my own flying experience as with a simulation, but still get "rewarded" within the game mechanics.

I was just now flying in flight thinking this exact thing. I flew to the airport that had the job I wanted and then it wasn't there anymore! It's like it's fighting against the guys who like to take off from where they landed last.

[Paxx]

Yup complete mind control by microsoft, by making a better game!
/troll applause&begin


Oh my god where did they ever come up with the idea that it might force people to buy a game they already BUY!
There is nothing to buy, a major DLC business model failure. Let us know when Easter arrives in your world. (http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?246015-MS-Flight-Addons&p=1662118#post1662118)


I see ltittle insight or creepiness there. All it's saying (admittedly in jargon) is "let's find out what features will be attractive to our customers and provide them."

All suppliers do that.
Failure to "see" isn't my fault. Changing words to something different and then agreeing with your own changes is your right and I respect that. Agreeing is a different matter dependent upon gullability (http://popular.ebay.com/business-industrial-k-z/sheep-shears.htm). So as you can "see" I don't agree with the conclusion you base on your statement changing. Go figure. :)


Kinda reminiscent of Ivan Pavlov's study. http://psychology.about.com/od/classicalconditioning/a/pavlovs-dogs.htm ...Don
Indeed.


Very interesting! I think this article can somewhat explain the differnces between a simmer and gamer. Seems to me that the simmer is self reliant, working towards thier own goals and rewards, where as a gamer is dependant upon the software's reward schedule.
Unfortunately Microsoft missed this memo.


Flight has attempted to answer that whole "what do i do next?" dilema that gamers face when playing a simulation. I think all of us have probably felt that within our beloved sim at one time, maybe that is why we go through such great lengths in the addon market, maybe that is our surroget reward system?
In a sense it was. Now there is none.


I think Flight does an ok job of offering multiple different tasks to do, as the article stated is a tactic for keeping gamers interested when the rewards are temporarily low. But I'm not so sure I agree with Flights reward system. The points and levels are almost arbitrary in my opinion, and I have never found myself needing to get to the next level so I can "x". Perhaps when more features are released, like AP, GPS, ATC, or even a 737, the players will be required to be at a minimum level to use the equipment?
The MSFlight reward system flaws I have already discussed. No sense reiterating the obvious. For you and I obvious is obvious, for Microsoft apparently, not so much.


I have one suggestion- I would like the gaming elements to be a bit more flexible for simulation needs. Right now, I am fairly bored with Flight while waiting for more DLC, and there isnt much point for me to start "simming" in Flight because it will do nothing for the (perceived) gaming rewards. I would like the ability to create my own jobs, challenges, etc and still be rewarded for their completion, instead of having to choose from the ones available in game. This would give me the option of creating my own flying experience as with a simulation, but still get "rewarded" within the game mechanics.
Creativity such as yours is miles ahead of the current Task/Reward system implemented in MSFlight. There are many ways to provide a lever/peanut system, the MSFlight system demonstrates a lack of understanding the very theories they are trying to implement. /sigh

[JSkorna]

Thanks everyone. Now please go and enjoy Flight!