Think about the fantasy that a game is fulfilling for the play, this establishes a baseline set of expectations. Then think about the ways that the game delivers, manages or challenges a player’s psychological reaction to the game’s experience.
Q: What’ something you’ve learned about game development that has remained true over the years?
Sid Meier: Gaming is a psychological experience. I base my games on things like railroads, pirates, and history, and I try to make the games I design true and real. The more historical, the more realistic, and the more factual, the better. During the early days of my career, I hadn’t taken into account what was in the player’s head. By acknowledging that simple concept-that gameplay is a psychological experience-it can make your games better.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-06-13-the-sid-meier-advantage
