Lock Mechanisms in Game Design
by Jonathon Schilpp
Introduction
This article focuses on a common feature of game design, which I will call a "Lock" mechanism. Although Locks may be found in many types of computer games, they are of critical importance to Adventure and Role Playing Games (RPGs.)
In order to craft a superior RPG or Adventure game, the game's designer must do quite a lot of work. An entire world must be constructed. If the player is allowed to steer his character through this world unhindered, large sections of the game may be missed entirely.
To avoid …