Beyond 'Good Feel': Why Unconventional Game Feel Drives Innovation

The controller vibrates. A satisfying thunk echoes as two blocks snap together in a puzzle game. We’ve been conditioned to expect these reactions. But what if that thunk was a dissonant chord? What if the vibration felt…wrong? We’ve grown accustomed to “good game feel,” but slavish devotion to it might be stifling genuine innovation in game design.

The Tyranny of “Good Feel”

“Game feel” is often lauded as the holy grail of game development. It’s the seemingly intangible quality that makes a game satisfying to play. Developers chase this feeling, meticulously tweaking animations, sound effects, and haptic feedback to create a sense of responsiveness and weight.

But there’s a dark side to this relentless pursuit. The pressure to conform to established conventions of “good feel” can discourage experimentation. Developers risk alienating players by deviating from what’s considered comfortable and familiar.

The Case for Unconventional Feel

Consider Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy. The game’s deliberately awkward controls are a core part of its appeal. Mastering the climbing mechanic requires patience and precision. Many players initially find the game frustrating, even rage-inducing. The feel is terrible, by conventional standards. Yet, the game became a viral sensation, praised for its unique challenge and sense of accomplishment. It’s a testament to the power of breaking free from the shackles of "good feel".

Another example is Dark Souls. Its weighty combat and deliberate animations, while loved by its fans, are initially off-putting. The stamina system forces players to carefully consider each action. This can feel clunky compared to the more fluid combat systems found in other action games. Yet, this unconventional feel contributes to the game’s unique sense of tension and reward.

The Homogenization Problem

The industry’s obsession with “good feel” contributes to a worrying trend: homogenization. Games are starting to feel increasingly similar. Developers are hesitant to take risks, fearing negative reviews and poor sales. The result is a glut of games that are technically polished but lack originality.

This trend impacts smaller studios the most. Independent developers often lack the resources to compete with AAA studios in terms of pure polish. They may feel pressured to mimic established conventions in order to gain traction. This limits their ability to innovate and offer truly unique experiences.

The Innovation Cost: A Calculated Risk

Prioritizing innovation over universally accepted game feel is a calculated risk. There’s a chance that players will reject a game that feels "wrong". However, the potential reward is a truly unique and memorable experience. This approach requires a deep understanding of the game’s core mechanics. The unconventional feel must be integral to the gameplay.

For instance, imagine a rhythm game where the button presses are deliberately off-beat. This might seem counterintuitive at first. But if the music is designed to create a sense of syncopation and tension, the off-beat controls could enhance the experience. The key is to ensure the unconventional feel serves a purpose.

The Pitfalls to Avoid

Embracing unconventional game feel is not without its challenges. A common mistake is to simply make a game feel bad for the sake of being different. This can result in a frustrating and unengaging experience. The unconventional feel must be intentional and contribute to the overall design.

Another pitfall is failing to provide adequate feedback. Even if the controls are deliberately awkward, players need to understand why they are failing and how to improve. Clear visual and auditory cues are essential. Consider Surgeon Simulator. The game’s intentionally clumsy controls are hilarious, but also incredibly frustrating without proper feedback.

Practical Steps for Innovating Feel

So, how can developers break free from the tyranny of “good feel” and embrace innovation?

1. Prototype relentlessly: Experiment with different control schemes, animations, and sound effects. Don’t be afraid to throw away ideas that don’t work. Focus on finding a unique feel that complements the game’s core mechanics.
2. Playtest extensively: Gather feedback from a diverse group of players. Pay attention to their reactions to the unconventional feel. Are they frustrated? Confused? Or are they intrigued and engaged?
3. Iterate based on feedback: Use playtest feedback to refine the game’s feel. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes. The goal is to find a balance between innovation and playability.
4. Communicate your vision: Be transparent with players about your design choices. Explain why you chose to deviate from established conventions. This can help them understand and appreciate the unconventional feel.

Case Study: Baba Is You

Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules of the game are manipulable blocks. The initial feeling of moving blocks around is quite basic, almost rudimentary. The magic emerges when players realize they can change the rules of reality itself. This basic “feel,” initially underwhelming, becomes a blank canvas for emergent gameplay.

The game embraces a minimalist approach to feel. It prioritizes clarity and functionality over flashy visuals or satisfying sound effects. This allows the focus to remain on the core puzzle mechanics. The unconventional feel actually enhances the game’s unique design.

A Call for Courage

The pursuit of “good game feel” is a valuable endeavor. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of innovation. Developers need to have the courage to experiment with unconventional mechanics and challenge established conventions. By doing so, they can create truly unique and memorable experiences.

The next time you find yourself polishing a game’s feel, ask yourself: am I making this game feel good, or am I making it feel unique? That’s the question that will separate the innovative from the derivative. The future of gaming depends on developers who are willing to embrace the “wrong” feel in pursuit of something truly extraordinary. Let’s break free from the chains of convention and create games that defy expectations.