Progression

Mechanism · IV – Time & Sequence delayed / aggregated · irreversible · open · solo

Progression unlocks new possibilities: on reaching a threshold the action space expands. The experience of development and growth is aimed at.

Design question – How does your game unlock new possibilities and create a feeling of development?

Reference example – Pokémon: at a certain level a Pokémon evolves and learns new moves. Gloomhaven: with experience, characters level up and gain new ability cards. Metroid: every new ability opens paths that were blocked before. Through The Ages (Tech Tree) · Gloomhaven (Campaign/Legacy) · Rpg Systeme (Level-Up)

Structural pattern

Input -> transformation -> output: a current state (experience, resources) becomes expanded possibilities (new options, abilities) on reaching a threshold (unlock).

Regulated in permitting mode (what is unlocked: new actions, abilities, areas), constraining mode (prerequisites per level; all paths or only one) and conditioning mode (what triggers the unlock: threshold, task, time; whether it stays or can be lost). In a game, the thresholds become specifications.

Design parameters

• Level structure – linear ↔ network-like
• Permanence – permanent ↔ reversible
• Trigger – automatic (threshold) ↔ agent-chosen/random
• Transparency – tree visible ↔ hidden
• Power gain – incremental ↔ transformative
• Exclusivity – all paths open ↔ forced specialization

Related Mechanisms

• Construction (MEC-05) – Frequently combined: build to unlock.
• Accumulation (MEC-02) – Frequently combined: accumulate experience.
• Selection (MEC-07) – Frequently combined: choose the development direction.
• Revelation (MEC-18) – Frequently combined: reveal new content.

Ludic Organisational Structures

Evolution / Adaptation · Technology / Research System (core) · Hierarchy · Faction System · Reputation / Trust System · Crafting / Recipe System (dynamic)