Next-Generation Game Systems Design

With 'Greg Hastings' Paintball 2' and 'Greg Hastings': Fields of Battle' under the belt at Super X Studios, our next goal was to provide players with a modern gaming experience in Greg Hastings Paintball 3. In order to realize the game's potential, I was brought on to design game systems that keep players excited and coming back to GHP3 for the long-haul.
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Progression and Economy

Following the example of free-to-play titles like Clash of Clans, Monster Castle and Warframe, I designed game economy and progression systems that give players lots of goals and interesting paths to achieving them.

Whether the player is improving their gear, or leveling up their avatar's skills, GHP3 employs modern design that incentivizes retention and continued, active participation in the game. These systems always revolve around the core game experience: Exciting paintball combat action.

Prioritizing Social Play

By including both social content, and social progression mechanics, I designed systems that encourage and benefit social play as a primary focus for GHP3.

One of GHP3's new technologies is an advanced field creator. Many games have featured level editors, but GHP3 features player-created content as part of the game's core experience. I designed systems that reward the creation, play and rating of player-created content with the goal of keeping GHP3's online community well-supported with fresh, high-quality content that traditional game development simply can't keep up with.

The field creator and the game's team ( clan / guild ) system also has engaging progression mechanics built in to encourage players to enjoy every aspect of the game to its fullest.

Many free-to-play games have the best, most fun progression systems that keep me interested in, and excited about those games' content. While micro-transactions often leave a bad taste in players' mouths, I designed economy and progression systems that naturally key into what players will find truly valuable.

It's not worth it to compromise the game experience to make a fast buck. Ethical design that is respectful of the audience is better for everyone in the long run. As an avid gamer, it's easy for me to stand by these principles.