Tension

Ludic Experience emotional_affective · both

Tension captures suspense, thrill and uncertainty with an expectation of resolution – the feeling of “what happens now?”, a mix of uncertainty and arousal, up to dread and fear.

Design question – Do you want your game to create genuine thrill – and do players feel it?

Reference example – Jenga: every move could bring the tower down – the whole table holds its breath. The Quacks of Quedlinburg: one more chip from the bag, or will the pot explode? A penalty shoot-out: run-up, shot – the resolution is a second away.