View source for Laning

[[Category:Level Design Patterns]]
[[Category:Dynamic Patterns]]
[[Category:Patterns]]
[[Category:Needs work]]
[[Category:Needs revision]]
[[Category:Needs examples]]
[[Category:Needs references]]
[[Category:Patterns created on the Wiki]]
[[Category:Stub]]
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[[Category:Staffan's current workpage]]
''Routes that focus and guide movement in a game.''

Movement in games often provide players with choices of where to move. [[Laning]] occurs when players and other agents in a game need to, or are strongly encourage to, move in a pre-set limited number of routes than make gameplay more predictable. 

=== Examples ===
[[Startgame]] phases in [[League of Legends]], also [[Defense of the Ancients]]

== Using the pattern ==
[[Laning]] is a way of restricting [[Movement]] in games, especially in the designs of [[Levels]], which primarily tends to affect a game's [[Startgame]]. The typical use of [[Laning]] assumes movement from both direction from opposed forces which, with [[:Category:Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games|MOBA Games]] as the originating example, which modifies how [[Enemies]] need to be considered and may motivate the use of [[Scouting]]. Designing for [[Laning]] in a game consists of making several routes to one area, in practice by either making several routes that are [[Transport Routes]] between the same areas or making several routes that are [[Flanking Routes]] to each other. The design of [[Laning]] is heavily influenced by the presence of [[Bases]] at the begin and end of lanes as well as if the lanes are the only ways to move between them (i.e. the design can be influenced by [[Inaccessible Areas]]). 

While [[Laning]] can be considered without use of [[Units]], the pattern is very often used to not only provide various routes for the [[Avatars]] controlled by players but also for [[Units]] (under the players' control or not). Likewise, the lanes may the only or normal routes to use for some game elements (typically [[Units]]) while others (typically [[Avatars]]) may take other routes although these may be slower or contain challenges.

== Consequences ==
The existence of [[Laning]] typically creates [[Choke Points]], either in the lanes themselves or where they end. How players act upon the designs of [[Laning]] typically constitutes the [[Startgame]] phase of a game instance. How to handle the choices presented in games with [[Laning]] motivate both [[Tactical Planning|Tactical]] and [[Strategic Planning]].

== Relations ==
=== Can Instantiate ===
[[Choke Points]], 
[[Scouting]], 
[[Startgame]], 
[[Strategic Planning]], 
[[Tactical Planning]] 

=== Can Modulate ===
[[Levels]], 
[[Movement]], 
[[Units]]

=== Can Be Instantiated By ===
[[Flanking Routes]], 
[[Transport Routes]]

=== Can Be Modulated By ===
[[Bases]], 
[[Inaccessible Areas]]

=== Possible Closure Effects ===
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=== Potentially Conflicting With ===
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== History ==
New pattern created in this wiki.

== References ==
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== Acknowledgements ==
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