Movement in Video Games: the Delicate Balance between Fun and Functionality

Video game mechanics are the foundation that supports all the enriching details that follow to make up the whole. As such, it is of utmost necessity to get them right to present a smooth experience. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of any video game is the movement. A lot of thought is placed on movement, and when it fails, it is very noticeable and becomes a frustrating experience for the players.  

Hidden Complexity 

In general, movement is a mechanic that players take for granted, and not a lot of thought is put into it when it’s done well, but it is definitely worth praising. This mechanic is multidimensional and affects several aspects of the game. Of course, different games can use movement to accomplish different goals. Indeed, some players enjoy the freedom allowed by high-speed mobility abilities and items such as grapple hooks and jetpacks while others prefer a vanilla experience with their character remaining grounded and steady. Each one of these is enticing in its own way as unique advantages and disadvantages are associated with each. For instance, the former can reach hidden areas and uncover secrets easier, but they have an increased chance of falling to their death or rushing head-first into a mob of enemies due to the difficulty of controlling their speed. The latter on the other hand can better absorb the scenery and enjoy the details that went into world building, but they are somewhat restricted in terms of exploration.  

The Sweet Balance 

In addition to the fun aspect of this mechanic, movement requires a very delicate balance in order to prevent overpowered “god” characters. In essence, in combat, movement plays a significant role, and it is generally agreed upon that heavily geared hard-hitting characters are limited in terms of movement, much like tanks, while more agile and lighter characters do less damage. This balance isn’t even specific to the game world as it is relevant in the real world as well. Indeed, it is difficult to jump around and run quickly while carrying a heavy load, and this is reflected in games. As for the question of what’s best, there are no winners, and it will come down to player preference.  

When Does it Matter? 

Different game genres have tried to experiment with the movement and how agile the characters are supposed to be. Let us dive into the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre, as this type of game is among the most popular ones. Usually, movement in these games is limited, meaning that characters who carry light guns can run fast while others who carry heavy guns cannot. However, this recipe is not set in stone, and movement has come to define titles that fall under this genre. From dodge rolling to slip and sliding all over the place, FPS developers have been working on improving the quality of their movement for decades, and some titles may have just attained perfection. Doom is a franchise that needs no introduction as it has defined the current FPS landscape, and one of its most epic features in the latest instalment, Doom Eternal, is high-speed movement. The sheer free movement that this game allows as the player runs through hordes of enemies is satisfying enough to stretch its replayability to well over 1000 hours. Other titles such as Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends set themselves apart from the competition by allocating a lot of time and effort to perfect the movement. Satisfying trick shots, up-close and personal melee takedowns, alongside the freedom to jump around, climb surfaces easily, and slide for days make these games extremely fun.  

Another genre where movement can be a make-or-break mechanic is RPGs. Indeed, having the character refuse to follow the inputs or completely miss spells or hits simply because they decided to turn at the last possible moment can be quite frustrating. Also, movement in RPGs is what allows the developers to go crazy with hiding secrets all over the world’s map and incentivize players to play all sorts of characters, both the agile and immobile ones. This way, players will sink more time into the game and be rewarded in return. 

A Necessary Evil 

Of course, too much movement or difficult intricacies in this mechanic can cause a huge skill gap between players, meaning that those who are innately better at it can gain a massive advantage over their opponents which can be quite demotivating for some. Similarly, not enough movement can render a game static, tedious, and repetitive. Consequently, developers must explore ways to utilize movement to their advantage to create a fun, unique, and immersive experience, and not giving this mechanic enough thought can be problematic. 

Conclusion 

All in all, movement is one of the hallmarks of video games, and getting it right can be the difference between unrivalled success and a colossal flop. Our favorite characters to play are the agile ones as landing skill shots are indescribably satisfying, and exploring the world and a fast pace and being able to scale large obstacles is exhilarating.