Community
Product
Solutions
Academia
Resources
Pricing
Company

Obstacle

An obstacle in game design refers to a barrier, challenge, or impediment that players must overcome to progress in the game or achieve their objectives. Obstacles can take many forms, such as physical barriers, puzzles, enemies, time limits, or resource constraints. They create tension, add excitement, and test the player's skills, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking. Well-designed obstacles provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when successfully overcome, contributing to the overall sense of progression, challenge, and satisfaction within the game.

Obstacle - Tomb Raider

mechaniclevelgame designglossary

In game design, an "obstacle" refers to a designed element within a game environment that hinders or challenges the player's progress. These barriers are strategically placed to impede the player's advancement, requiring strategic thinking, skillful navigation, or problem-solving. Obstacles contribute to the overall difficulty and engagement of a game, creating opportunities for skill development and enhancing the player's sense of accomplishment.

For example, in the classic platformer game "Super Mario Bros.," various obstacles impede Mario's journey through the Mushroom Kingdom. These obstacles include pits, enemies, and environmental hazards like spikes or moving platforms. Each obstacle demands a specific approach: jumping over enemies, timing movements to avoid hazards, or using power-ups strategically. The level design introduces a progression of obstacles, gradually increasing in complexity and difficulty as the player advances. Overcoming these challenges is integral to the player's success and progression within the game.

Obstacles can take diverse forms, such as puzzles, enemies, physical barriers, or timed challenges. In a puzzle-solving adventure game, an obstacle might be a complex lock that requires the player to decipher a code or find a hidden key. In a racing game, obstacles could be tight turns, obstacles on the track, or competitors vying for the same goal.

Level Up Your Game Design – The Key Tool for Game Design Success

 

Machinations is a dynamic platform that serves as a hub for game designers, strategists, and simulation enthusiasts alike. With an intuitive interface and powerful simulation engine, you can visualize, prototype, and refine game mechanics with unparalleled ease.

Whether you’re an indie designer striving to create captivating gameplay experiences or a seasoned professional seeking to optimize player engagement, Machinations provides the tools and resources necessary to bring your vision to life. From visualizing complex systems to simulating player behavior, Machinations empowers you to experiment, iterate, and craft compelling interactive experiences.