GAMEPLAY & PUZZLE DESIGN · GUIDE 13/50 · FREE REFERENCE

Make objectives visible during play

The problem

Players abandon puzzles when they forget what counts as success.

Practical procedure

Keep the remaining collectible count and exit state in a compact HUD, with text as well as visual cues.

Worked scenario

Show 2 of 3 cells collected while the portal remains available but not yet a winning condition.

Acceptance check

Observe whether a tester can explain what remains to finish without opening help.

Apply the method

Use the related interactive tool to try the concept on an inspectable example. Record the starting assumptions and expected result before changing settings, then compare what the tool actually does. Where the result differs, keep the release marked experimental and document the discrepancy.

Further reading: Relevant primary technical documentation. This guide is an educational procedure, not a substitute for independent usability or compliance review.