Dealing With Fairness and Balance In Video Games

MarkN writes "Video games are subject to a number of balance issues from which traditional games have largely stayed free. It can be hard finding players of comparable skill-level to create even match-ups, diverse gameplay options can quickly become irrelevant if someone finds a broken feature that beats everything else, and some online games make your ability to play competitively a question of how much time and money you've invested in a game, rather than the skill you possess. In this article, I talk about some of the issues relating to fairness and balance in games, in terms of the factors and strategies under the player's control, the game's role in potentially handicapping players, and the role a community of gamers plays in setting standards for how games are to be played. What are your thoughts on managing a 'fair and balanced' gaming experience?"

Comments

I met Bobby Fischer once

[BadAnalogyGuy]

I had the chance to play Bobby Fischer at chess once. He kicked my ass around the block.

Then he called me a fucking dirty Jew.

Which was weird, because I'm not Jewish.

Thinking about it now, I probably shouldn't have thought I could play chess with him.

Back in the real world where playing video games cost a quarter or two, sometimes you only got to play 3 rounds of Street Fighter 2 because the other guy was master of Guile's Sonic Boom/Spinning upside-down kick combo. These days, you just disconnect and go find another game to join. Back then you risked cold hard cash every time you went in to play.

Re:I met Bobby Fischer once

[Hognoxious]

Balls and most of a dick.

Re:I met Bobby Fischer once

[Quiet_Desperation]

That would be an awesome T-shirt. "Bobby Fischer called me a dirty Jew"

That's easy

[metamechanical]

That's easy! Just get the ones published by Fox News!

Re:That's easy

[Anonymous Coward]

The best part is you can pick up Nancy Grace from the downtown marina, fuck her senseless in a secluded area, then run here over and steal her cash. She does her 'sucking on a lemon' face when she cums.

Its a thing of the past?

[Viol8]

What , you mean we should go back to the complex narrative of Pacmac for example? :)

Re:Cannot be balanced nor fair

[Mister Whirly]

And that man was LEEEROY JENKINNNSSS!!!



(lower case text added to defeat caps filter)