Resource Management
Resource management as a core game loop could be a relaxing simulation game, such as Stardew Valley. but it could also be a secondary loop in other game types to make them more realistic or interesting, such as an action adventure game where you must cook your own meals to heal.
There are many game types where resource management logic is used, such as:
Farming simulators
Tower defense
Cooking
Economic management
Characteristics
Plan for Growth!
GAIN & USE RESOURCES
🌳 Harvest, collect, earn 🪙 Buy/sell/exchange ⚒️ Craft/build
UNLOCK EFFICIENCIES
🆙 Upgrade builds or plans 🔓 Unlock new options
FLEXIBILITY
👥 Single or multiplayer 💠 Full game or a game's secondary gameplay loop
Keys of Success
Everyone Can Play - Simple actions to mine/farm and collect items, choose how to use them with options in dialogue
Play for Long - Short term goals to reach long term growth and efficiency
Play with Friends - Multiplayer or singleplayer
NEED TO HAVE
Game currency
Variable per resource used (avoid exceeding recommended limit)
Utility per resource (trade, sell, craft)
NICE TO HAVE
Automation options later in game (higher cost to motivate longer play)
Game Loops
Below is a general game loop diagram for this genre. Your game's loops may vary.
Learn to Create It
GAME MAKER TEMPLATES
LOGIC TO EXPLORE
Currency
Inventory/crafting
Counting and comparing
Make it More Interesting
Consider ways to add to or change the core structure of this game type to challenge and motivate players differently.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
➿ Secondary loop in another game type
🏆 Achievements
RAMP OF DIFFICULTY
🥪 More resources/recipes
🎲 Random effects on resource generation (rain, fire, etc.)
CORE DECISIONS
🔁 Trade with players
👥 Team vs personal use
🦸 Reputation system
PRACTICE: Modify the Crafty Challenge or Cooking Simulator templates to increase the fun:
Achievements
Randomness
Global vs. local variables for teams vs personal use (collaboration, competition, independence)
Useful Logic
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