So in theory that’s the best way to go, when you can. Then again, I think you’re right, Craig, that some elements like violence and sex have an inherent appeal and can almost work alone in a game, to some extent at least.

They are puzzles.

In a video game, it is not at ALL clear that you will get through the combat this try. Even if you do, how badly are you depleted doing so?

It’s a long chain of puzzles, a pattern you need to work out.

This doesn’t happen in a movie, of course. And it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work character development into every pore of your game. But it does mean that combat – sheer, pure combat – serves a purpose in a video game.

The mate of that post is one on writing sex scenes, which I can’t seem to track down at the moment. The originator of this whole shebang doesn’t like writing sex scenes – because there’s no conflict. Everyone pretty much wants the same thing, unless you add some weirdness.

In a game, this is ALSO not relevant. Like sheer combat, sheer sex can serve a purpose. Of course, both definitely change the nature of your game.

In the end, games are different than movies. Knowing how is a rather critical element of game design, don’t you think?