Customization / Personalization

Core mechanic handling customization / personalization, establishing the rules, constraints, and player interactions for this game system.

High complexity

4 examples

3 patterns

sandbox simulation soulslike extraction

Overview

As a core game system, customization / personalization creates a structured experience around this game element. The implementation varies significantly across genres, with each game adapting the core concept to fit its specific design goals and target audience. Understanding the design principles behind this mechanic helps developers create more engaging and balanced game experiences.

Game Examples

Party Games

Party Games use this mechanic where players customize their experience to maximize their effectiveness. The mechanic integrates seamlessly with other systems, resulting in high replayability.

Puzzle Games

Puzzle Games use this mechanic where players customize their experience to reach the highest tier. The mechanic integrates seamlessly with other systems, resulting in memorable moments.

Rhythm Games

Rhythm Games use this mechanic where players react to emergent situations to build a competitive advantage. The system encourages experimentation, resulting in memorable moments.

Soulslike Games

Soulslike Games use this mechanic where players balance risk and reward to explore every possibility. Each decision has cascading consequences, resulting in competitive depth.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Creates satisfying delayed loops
Provides long-term collection objectives for dedicated players
Enhances narrative without disrupting core gameplay
Encourages cooperative playstyles and experimentation

Disadvantages

Can create overwhelming when RNG is unfavorable
Requires extensive balance testing to avoid edge cases
May create a skill gap for new players

Implementation Patterns

Crafting Queue

Optimized pattern for customization / personalization that minimizes per-frame computation cost.

class CustomizationPersonalizationSystem {
  recipes: Recipe[] = [];

  craft(recipeId: string, inventory: Inventory) {
    const recipe = this.recipes.find(r => r.id === recipeId);
    if (!recipe) return null;

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      if (!inventory.has(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount)) {
        return null; // Missing materials
      }
    }

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      inventory.remove(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount);
    }

    const quality = this.rollQuality(0.15);
    return { ...recipe.output, quality };
  }

  rollQuality(baseChance: number) {
    const roll = Math.random();
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.02) return "legendary";
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.15) return "rare";
    if (roll < baseChance) return "uncommon";
    return "common";
  }
}

Material Coordinator

Event-driven pattern that reacts to customization / personalization changes and updates dependent systems.

class CustomizationPersonalizationEngine {
  recipes: Recipe[] = [];

  craft(recipeId: string, inventory: Inventory) {
    const recipe = this.recipes.find(r => r.id === recipeId);
    if (!recipe) return null;

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      if (!inventory.has(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount)) {
        return null; // Missing materials
      }
    }

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      inventory.remove(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount);
    }

    const quality = this.rollQuality(0.15);
    return { ...recipe.output, quality };
  }

  rollQuality(baseChance: number) {
    const roll = Math.random();
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.05) return "legendary";
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.1) return "rare";
    if (roll < baseChance) return "uncommon";
    return "common";
  }
}

Quality Calculator