Game Loop Theory

You can look at any game and divide it into several game loops. A game loop is a sequence of events and input from the player that happens repeatedly until the game ends. Each game has multiple loops of different lengths which, when well balanced, make the game fun.

What is a game loop?

Game loops come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the type of game you are making. A game can be as simple as having only a few game loops but these days most games have a lot of different loops of varying lengths, depending on what type of game it is.  A turn-based strategy game has very different loops compared to a shooter.

The elements all game loops have in common:

• They require player action – The player has direct influence on the loop and its outcome
• They provide some form of a reward – Visual, sound, effect on the world, points, etc.
• They involve a skill you can develop – The player can get better at the loop

In a shooter, the simple act of firing your gun is a game loop. There is player action (aiming, pressing the trigger button), there is an instant reward (loud bang, impact effects, stuff breaks), improved rewards the better you shoot (kills, headshots, etc.) and there is therefore a skill potential (learn how to aim better, try to hit a difficult target) over time. You do this hundreds of times in a single play session, over and over. It is the core of the game – if the shooting game loop is not fun in a shooter, the game will not be very entertaining.

Differently sized loops that overlap

Game loops are usually of different lengths, in order to give depth to the experience. If all you had to do in a shooter is stand still, aim and shoot, it would eventually get boring over time. But it is important to note that a game loop is defined by its reward, not its action. “Walking” is not a game loop but “looting”, which involves walking, is.

The short term reward for shooting in games is generally tied to killing an opponent. That is the ultimate goal and the proverbial “carrot” you chase. Just shooting a wall gets boring quickly but killing an enemy gives rewards. And if you kill a lot, you generally get better rewards (weapons, armor, etc.) to make you an even better killer – These game loops therefore overlap and reinforce each other.

Online shooter example (definitely not an exhaustive list!!)

• Short – Shooting – Shoot the enemy health to 0 – Reward = Points 
• Medium – Win Round – Get the most kills – Reward = Round Win (Chicken Dinner!)
• Long – Level Up – Win rounds and score X points – Reward = New weapons / outfits

Why is Game Loop Theory important?

By analyzing and understanding the game loops you have, you can achieve two things:

1. You can see which game loop might be underdeveloped
2. You can see if there are missed opportunities

Do you ever feel that a game is too slow? You are getting bored with it, or it seems like too much effort to continue. Why was that? If you look at it with game loop theory in mind, you might find there is a missing loop. Or that a loop is too long and there aren’t enough rewards to keep you interested.

It is also useful to understand that not all loops are for everyone. If you love turn-based strategy games, there is a high chance that you like longer loops, versus the more adrenaline fueled competitive shooter short loops. Knowing what type of loops you have can help you find your audience and market it better, as well as tailor your loops for your specific type of player.

Another fun example: Super Mario Brothers

What if I told you Mario is 99% made up of one game loop: Jumping. Think about it – What do you do, all the time, in Mario? Are you ever not jumping?

Sure, there are more mechanics in Mario but the primary game loop of Mario involves pressing that jump button. They have thought of thousands of variations on it, but they all involve jumping. What makes the game enticing for hours is that the rewards for jumping increase and your skill needs to increase in order to get them. The loop evolves over time.

The first time you jump on a Koopa and kill him, you’re so happy. Then you jump over a large hole. Then you jump and unlock the invulnerability star. Then you jump on two Koopa’s in a row. Then you jump over flying bullets. The challenge goes up and the rewards go up! And then you jump onto the flag pole and into the next level. And before you know it, you are so good at jumping that killing Bowser becomes possible…

Want to learn more about game loop theory? Book a session and we’ll dive deeper!