Following the playtesting v2 session, I decided to remove the postcard/level 3 feature which I proposed in first semester. To the right is a side by side comparison of the initial gameplay loop and the final outcome gameplay loop. This was because the idea of having your pet leave can be upsetting to some players who want to develop a connection with them through the act of constantly looking after them. Additionally, this postcard mechanic was incorporated as I felt the need to have some form of closure in the game, though as I state in my overall reflection, I came to the realisation that it is perfectly okay for there to be no ending. The game is intended to help children who are feeling low and I aimed for them to go back to the game whenever they’d like to. All of the gameplay features are designed to be repayable, so it wouldn’t make sense to have an ending.

PROPOSED GAMEPLAY LOOP

ACTUAL GAMEPLAY LOOP