GameLoop

About this model

This Machinations diagram models the core gameplay loop of a cooking simulation akin to "Overcooked," focusing on the step-by-step processing of food orders within a hectic kitchen environment. It consists of multiple interconnected cycles involving resource generation (orders arriving), processing (picking ingredients, chopping, and cooking), and consumption (serving the finished dishes). Each gameplay element is represented by a combination of sources, pools, drains, converters, and gates to simulate the flow of ingredients from their initial selection to the final delivery of prepared dishes. The diagram captures both the linear progression of tasks and the potential for parallel processing, allowing for the simulation of multiple chefs working simultaneously to complete orders.

The gameplay loop begins with sources that generate orders, which are then processed through various stages including ingredient selection, chopping, and cooking, each represented by specific nodes connected via resource and state connections to simulate the real-time constraints and actions of cooking. Converters and gates play a crucial role in transforming ingredients into final dishes, enforcing the sequential nature of tasks in the kitchen. These elements work together to simulate key dynamics of cooking games: time management, resource allocation, and task prioritization. As dishes are served, the diagram accounts for the cyclical nature of orders and preparation in a typical service-oriented kitchen setup, highlighting the continuous flow of tasks that players must manage efficiently to succeed.

"GameLoop" is a public Machinations diagram shared in the Community by Hoa Dang, with 30 components.

It was created in December 2025 and last edited in December 2025.

Open the diagram in the Machinations app and press Play to watch the resources move, adjust its values to test how the system responds, or remix it to make an editable copy in My diagrams.