Let's first examine why a death penalty
has to be present in a game at all. Why not just let the player
restart where he left off, with zero repercussions? Without some kind
of penalty for death, players will feel that the game is far too easy
and are very unlikely to feel that they accomplished anything when
they eventually manage to solve the game. They will also play with
complete abandon, behaving recklessly and carelessly. It will seem as
though anyone could succeed without skill, if simply devoting the
time to go through the game. Penalties increase the challenge and the
sense of accomplishment. Yet some penalties can be too harsh and can
deter a player from continuing to play at all. The choices a
developer makes regarding game death penalties really revolve around
the target audience. If the developers are only targeting the
“hardcore” gamers—those that will try to solve the game
relentlessly regardless of penalties—the developers may limit the
overall appeal of the game to a smaller audience. But, if the
developers make a game too easy with minor or no penalties, gamers
that like a challenge will give the game a pass.
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