Some games are designed to be broken. They encourage players to exploit mechanics, find loopholes, and play in unexpected ways. But what if you go against that expectation and play by the rules? Does the game still work, or does it break differently? Let’s see what happens when you follow game rules that expect you to break them.
Why Do Some Games Expect You to Break the Rules?
Many games are built around player creativity. They challenge players to think outside the box, rewarding those who find alternative solutions. Here’s why breaking the rules is often encouraged:
- Emergent Gameplay: Some developers leave room for players to find new ways to interact with the game world.
- Speedrunning and Exploits: Many games become famous because of unintended shortcuts and mechanics.
- Sandbox Freedom: Open-world games often allow players to push boundaries and find creative workarounds.
But what if you ignore these unspoken rules and play the game “properly?
Case Studies: Following the Rules vs. Breaking Them
Let’s look at specific examples where players followed game rules that encouraged breaking them.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Expected Gameplay: Players are encouraged to climb mountains, glide over obstacles, and use physics to their advantage.
- What Happens If You Follow the Rules?
- Instead of climbing cliffs, you follow the designated paths.
- Instead of using bomb jumps, you fight enemies head-on.
- Some puzzles become more brutal because the game assumes players will take shortcuts.
Expert Insight: Breath of the Wild’s true magic lies in its freedom. Playing “by the book” makes it more tedious and removes the creativity that makes the game fun.
2. Dishonored Series
- Expected Gameplay: Stealth and assassination are key. The game rewards creativity in movement and combat.
- What Happens If You Follow the Rules?
- You never break stealth, avoiding all enemies instead of using powers to escape or eliminate them.
- Missions take longer because you avoid shortcuts designed into the level.
- The game becomes extraordinarily challenging but still rewarding for patient players.
Expert Insight: Playing by the rules in Dishonored transforms it into a pure stealth simulation, a completely different experience from what most players encounter.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
- Expected Gameplay: Players are encouraged to cause chaos, break laws, and experiment with the game world.
- What Happens If You Follow the Rules?
- Obeying traffic laws makes travel feel painfully slow.
- Completing missions without shortcuts makes the game much harder.
- Police interactions have become almost nonexistent.
Expert Insight: GTA V is designed for rule-breaking. Playing “normally” makes it feel like a city-driving simulator rather than an action-packed open-world adventure.
What Can We Learn From Playing By the Rules?
Following the rules in these games changes how they feel. Here’s what happens:
| Game | Effect of Following the Rules |
|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | Slower pacing, harder puzzles, limits on creativity |
| Dishonored | Higher difficulty, forces extreme patience |
| GTA V | Drastically reduced action, turns into a slow-paced simulator |
Key Takeaways
- Game design is flexible. Developers create mechanics that allow for different styles of play.
- Following the rules can be a challenge in itself. Some players enjoy the extra difficulty.
- Breaking the rules is often more fun. Many games are meant to be explored and pushed beyond their limits.
Final Thoughts
Games that expect rule-breaking often feel strange when played “properly.” While you can stick to the rules, doing so can remove what makes the game unique. But if you’re looking for a new challenge, try playing by the book and see how different the game feels!
What do you think? Have you ever played a game “the right way” when it was designed for chaos? Let us know in the comments!