Level 3.1: Atomic Elements of Games

What are the Atomic Elements of Games?

This depends on who you ask. I have seen several schemes of classification. Like the definition of “game,” none is perfect, but by looking at all of them we can see some emerging themes that can shed light on the kinds of things that we need to create as game designers if we are to make games.

What follows are some parts of games, and some of the things designers may consider when looking at these atoms. Click on the links below to read about each one.

• Players
• Objectives (goals)
• Rules
• Resources and Resource Management
• Game State
• Information
• Sequencing
• Player Interaction
• Theme (Narrative, Backstory, Setting)
• Games as Systems

We will discuss these elements further in this section.