Hub-and-Spoke

Ludic Pattern (named combination) place_count: many · connection: branched · returnability: returnable

A central base (hub) is the point of departure and return. From there the agent starts missions into outgoing spaces (spokes) and returns. The hub is safe, social, persistent; the spokes dangerous, challenging, self-contained. A rhythm of departure and return.

Design question – When is the “hub-and-spoke” spatial topology the right choice for your play space?

Reference example – Mario Kart: Build a car using various components–wheels, body, parachute (lHub) → Then, race (spokes) → Return to the selection screen. Players have the option to customize each race individually, depending on which car they build.

Compatible with

• Classic First Person (VR-01) – View affinity of this spatial topology.
• Over-the-Shoulder (VR-04) – View affinity of this spatial topology.
• Classic Isometric (VR-11) – View affinity of this spatial topology.
• Pure Top-Down (VR-13) – View affinity of this spatial topology.
• Point-and-Click / Scene Camera (VR-14) – View affinity of this spatial topology.
• Arena (SS-09) – Typical micro-architecture / related topology.
• Labyrinth (SS-11) – Typical micro-architecture / related topology.
• Social Space (SS-13) – Typical micro-architecture / related topology.
• Platform Parkour (SS-15) – Typical micro-architecture / related topology.
• Open Field (SS-16) – Typical micro-architecture / related topology.

Consists of

• Ludic Spatial Structure (ludic-spatial-structure) – Spatial layout: a centre from which outgoing spaces branch - branched, returnable.
• Ludic Regulation (ludic-regulation) – Regulation: the hub is safe and persistent, the spokes are dangerous and self-contained; missions begin and end at the hub.