The 10 most important parts of a game

I had each consultant write out what they thought were the 10 most important parts of a video game. We then had a discussion and came to a consensus as a group.

1) Story line or purpose - without a story line or a purpose, the game can not go anywhere. The story line should follow the genre that the game is in and includes setting. Many of today's games have a detailed story line, however when we take a look at classic arcade games. There was more of a purpose than an exact story line. A game has to have either one to actually be a game.

2) Characters - without a character the story line can not flow. A character is equally important for accomplishing the purpose.

3) Graphics - No one likes a game without graphics. Graphics makes a game more realistic, it adds to the setting, the obstacles, and the characters.

4) Challenge - it is important that a game can not be beaten the first time it is played. There needs to be levels to increase to or something to look forward to.

5) Flow - A story line or purpose needs to make sense and lead somewhere.

6) Bad characters or bad situations - Every game needs something to overcome in order to win or advance to the next level or challenge.

7) Controllers - It is important for a game to have an appropriate controller, though the kids really like the peripherals, it is good to be able to use both because some people figure out one better than the other.

8) Music - Music is important for entertainment, however situation appropriate music is important to. For example, scary music in an scary situation or fast music in an intense situation.

9) Customization - More and more games are allowing you to chose your character or weapon. This is important because it allows the player to put more of their own personality in a game and fit it to their own personal preferences.

10) Instructions - instructions are important so that someone knows how to play a game, however tutorials are better because you learn as you attempt to play the game.