Decay Counter

About this model

Power-ups, buffs or ability with a limited duration can be governed by decay counters. For example, a temporary speed boost may wear off after a certain period, encouraging players to make the most of it while they have the advantage

This diagram models a gameplay scenario focused on the character Pharah from "Overwatch 2," highlighting the mechanics of jetpack fuel management, enemy engagement, and the strategic choice between attacking and evasive maneuvers. Pharah's jetpack, represented as a resource pool, depletes as she engages in shooting or running, with an automatic system in place to deduct fuel for these actions. The mechanism simulates a scenario where engaging enemies by shooting decreases enemy HP but simultaneously risks drawing attention to Pharah, modeled by a source node that randomly determines if Pharah is put in danger. When in danger, Pharah's strategy shifts from shooting to running, a decision process influenced by the state of her being in danger or not. The diagram also includes a feedback loop where shooting not only reduces enemy HP but also, through a state connection, potentially increases Pharah's danger level, thus affecting her decision to either continue attacking or switch to evasion. This complex interplay of resources and decisions encapsulates a dynamic where the player must balance aggressive tactics against the consequences of becoming a target, all while managing the finite resource of jetpack fuel.

This public Machinations diagram, “Decay Counter”, was shared in the Machinations Community by Anıl Akhan.

You can open the original diagram in the Machinations app, press Play to watch how resources move through it, and change its values to see how the system responds. Machinations is a visual tool for designing, simulating and balancing game economies and other systems, where resources flow through sources, pools, drains, converters and gates.