| Session Name: | Character Balance: More than the Numbers |
| Speaker(s): | Robert Gallerani |
| Company Name(s): | Vicarious Visions, Inc. |
| Track / Format: | Design |
| Overview: | This talk will focus on the techniques used to balance a wide variety of playable characters using the development of Skylanders SWAP Force. The perception of a character and its abilities is just as important, if not more important than the standard metrics of damage output. Additional factors such as focus testing, team surveys, and player expectations based on a character's image will be covered. Robert will break down the values of aesthetics, actual power, perceived power, fun and ease of use. All of these elements had to be taken into account to make a diverse yet balanced cast of playable characters that were targeted toward a younger demographic, yet deep enough for all players. The talk will also discuss how to communicate character strengths and weaknesses to executives and other stakeholders. |
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