Connected Game Blog

  1. Designing for Clarity in a Complex System As Elemental Echo evolved into a multi-layered tactical game—with distinct elemental classes, a scoring-based Crown system, and destructible bases— ensuring UI clarity became a top priority. In this sprint, I focused on designing the player flow from game launch to post-match , and planning the combat HUD layout to support moment-to-moment decisions without overwhelming the player. Our goals: Lower the barrier for new players to understand the game Communicate real-time battle conditions clearly Visually support the tension and pacing of competitive play 2. Overall User Flow: From Menu to Match We mapped out the complete player journey, which includes: Main Menu Player profile, tutorial access, settings, lobby creation Tutorial Mode (auto-launch on first login) Teaches movement, attacks, Crown control, elemental reactions Room Setup / Matchmaking Select team, configure match rules, ready up I...

  1. The Purpose of the Arena In Elemental Echo, every mechanic—Crown Control, base defense, elemental synergy—is shaped by the map structure . This sprint, I focused on designing the Elemental Arena , the central battleground where all matches unfold. The challenge was to physically structure tension : between control and vulnerability, between central power and peripheral disruption. The arena is more than a backdrop; it’s a mechanical enabler . 2. Layout Goals We identified four key goals for the map layout: Create a high-conflict central zone for Crown control Encourage coordinated flanks for base assault or support rotation Introduce verticality for tactical variation and role expression Integrate environmental reaction zones for strategic ability use The final design adopts a radially symmetrical structure , balancing fair access with diverse tactical options. 3. Map Overview and Zones The Elemental Arena is composed of three key regions: Zone Functi...

  1. Expanding the Combat Framework Following our initial design of the Crown Control system, we shifted focus this sprint to defining how each elemental class expresses their combat identity through abilities and tactical roles . Our goal is to ensure that each character not only feels unique, but also directly contributes to the game’s layered team dynamics —especially the tension between scoring, disruption, and base defense. We developed a unified 5-skill structure for all mages, balancing simplicity and strategic depth. 2. The Five-Skill Input Model Each elemental mage has access to the following inputs: Skill Type  Input      Role in Gameplay Basic Attack  Left Click      Core damage; defines combat range/style Core Skill  Right Click      Fast-cooldown signature move Throwable Ability  E Key      Triggers Elemental Reactions / zoning Movement Ability  Shift Key      Mobi...