Sketchnote based on “Interaction Loops and Arcs” by Daniel Cook. Created by Ananya Navale.
A game I can think of that utilizes both interaction loops and arcs is Monument Valley.
Looping: The player (1) observes the scene with its impossible geometry and architecture, and assesses the resources available (gears, pillars, platforms), (2) manipulates these resources as needed, (3) moves Ida (the princess) along the newly created path, and (4) evaluates whether Ida reached her aspired destination, or if more manipulation is necessary.
There’s even a micro-loop in this that’s as simple as tapping a spot on the path, and watching Ida move there (if she can). If she can’t, that’s valid feedback as well.
Arcing: The player begins with smaller puzzles that teach them the mechanics of the game, how to use the resources, and what their goal at each level is. They then graduate to more complex puzzles that might require manipulation of the world rather than Ida, or that have her navigate around the bothersome Crow people. Finally, the climax occurs in the last level, where Ida must complete 3 or 4 very different puzzles at once in order for the resolution – her return to her people as the Crow princess – to occur.
