Score as a substitute for goals : The impact of score on intrinsic goals in free-form design

Abstract: The purpose for this study is to examine the impact score has on free-form designed games:games without designed goals. The study is aimed towards smaller products and is meant tohelp designers who are looking to implement score into their game with how it could affect theplayer’s relationship to the defined goal, their intrinsic goal, and the purpose of the game. Aprototype game was created that would simulate the free-form design method. The game hadtwo modes: mode A without score and mode B with score added to one of the actions. Resultsfrom observations and semi-structured interviews show that score has a direct impact on theway participants defined both their intrinsic goals and the one set by the game. Participants’perception of the game defined goal shifts as score is added by giving them a clear andunambiguous extrinsic reward.