A guide to the terminology used in game development, specifically virtual world and online games. This presentation was created by Dubit. We help brands create digital entertainment that kids love. Our kid-centered approach puts children at the heart of our design process; we involve kids in the design of all our apps, games, virtual worlds, and websites. Learn how our research team can help you understand what kids really think about your brand and products, or find how we can help you develop and launch your next digital product.

1. Dubit -
Dubit’s Guide to
Basic Gaming
Terminology
Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology

2. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Theme, Narrative & Story
Theme
What's in the world; how it looks; the style and
content; the tone of the world.
Narrative
Ongoing plot; what happens to the characters; start,
middle and end; forward momentum.
Story
What it's all about; the player's role; context and
motivation; backstory of the world.

3. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Interface, Core Gameplay & Structure
Interface
How the player talks to the game; how the game
talks to the player; input and output.
Core Gameplay
The repetitive activity that keeps the player playing;
creates flow; has 'feel'; involves interface.
Structure
How new materials are delivered to the player; the
order of delivery; progress and reward.

4. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
The Golden Mechanic
Core gameplay, or an element of core gameplay,
which delivers:
•Fun
•Unique identity
•A tether to the structure
•Meaningful play

5. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Reward Structure & Compulsion Loops
Reward Schedule
Pacing of different weights of reward in response to
player achievement; Skinner boxes; reward structure
as internal system.
Compulsion Loops
Feeding rewards back into core gameplay to create
behavioural loops; player advancement; staggered
tutorials; reward and progress structures meet.

6. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Rewards & Progress Managment
Reward Management
Housekeeping; choosing skills; spending points and
money; customisation.
Types of Rewards
These include, score, currency, cosmetics,
collections, upgrades, progress, and bonus material.
Progress Management
Finding the path forward; overcoming challenges
and barriers; solving puzzles; using player upgrades;
being 'good enough; winning.

7. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Kids Research
• Market analysis
• Prototype and concept testing
• Competitor analysis and market scoping
• IP / trend spotting
• Design & ideation
• Monetization strategies
• Ethical marketing
• Transmedia modeling
Dubit: Research, Build & Launch
digital experiences for kids brands
Kids Game Development
• Game design and ideation
• Character and brand design
• Game development
• Virtual Worlds and Casual MMOs
Kids Apps
• iOS and Android games
• Interactive storybooks
Launch
• Game promotion and player acquisition

8. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
Dubit: Just a few of our customers

9. Dubit - Dubit’s Guide to Basic Gaming Terminology
If you’d like to know more about what we do checkout our website dubitlimited.com or send Matthew an
email: matthew@dubitlimited.com. We love to talk!
Address
The Half Roundhouse
Wellington Road
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS12 1DR
Phone
(+44) 113 3947 920
Email
matthew@dubitlimited.com
Dubit: Get in touch!