As far as making a game itself, I think there are certain elements that are required to have and make a game. Elements such as mechanics and rules defining how to play, who goes first, how many players can play, and so on. And then other elements for aesthetics, the metaphor, and story for the game. A good game needs a good metaphor and clear mechanics, as long as those two things are there – the game is good. A good metaphor allows us to step into the world that the game is creating and makes the players more attached to their actions and character. Clear mechanics help players enjoy the actual game. The game can look and sound fun, but if it’s not fun to play then no one will play it. Clear rules help players focus on the actual game rather than learning it, being confused, not knowing if they’re playing it right, not enjoying it, etc. To me, a good game is also something you can play time and time again and still be enjoyable. Personally, how I know I like a game is how often I play it or how many times I come back to playing it. Sometimes games get quite boring and disengaging, and that’s where I consider a game to be bad.
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