Video games are a collection of rules and limitations that respond dynamically to player input. These limitations are usually necessary to enforce the “rules” of the game – without limitation, the player can break the rules and will likely become bored.

In the right circumstances, however, breaking the established rules of the game can create entirely new gameplay experiences and build an emotional resonance in the player.

Ranging from something as simple as picking up a Quad Damage power-up in Quake multiplayer to teleporting robots in Zone of the Enders and instant-kill attacks in Final Fantasy XV.

This talk will explore case studies of interesting uses within games, how game mechanics can build strong emotion outside of cinematics, and how this idea can be flipped to build emotion through strife.

The key takeaways are for designers to consider the emotional impact that can be built through mechanics alone and how, through breaking expected game design norms, designers can create emotional resonance between player and game.