Video: Masahiro Sakurai Breaks Down ‘Risk And Reward’ In Games
Masahiro Sakurai has posted his latest video on the process of creating games, this time focusing on the concept of “risk and reward” and how this forms part of a game’s “core essence”. Needless to say, if you’re someone who’s interested in game development, it sounds like a pretty crucial concept to add to your knowledge toolbox.
Using Space Invaders and Super Mario Bros. as examples in explaining the idea, Sakurai breaks down how balancing risk with reward is key in creating interesting and engaging games. With Space Invaders, for example, he discusses how it’s important to recognise your enemy’s attack range and position your laser cannon in accordance with this to achieve your own goal. The idea is to intercept your enemy rather than persue, as this will allow you to aim your own shot whilst avoiding any incoming laser beams.
If you’re particularly adept at playing games, the idea of risk and reward might not even enter your mind while you’re playing, but for people looking to create their own games, it’s definitely a more complex concept that – according to Sakurai, at least – is vital if you’re to create a successful game.
If this video is of interest to you, then be sure to check out Sakurai’s YouTube channel for more curious game development anecdotes; we’ve covered his views on frame rates in games in a previous article.
What do you make of the concept of risk and reward in games? Is it something you’ve identified while playing? Let us know!