Red Herrings - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 08:50, 8 March 2023

2023-03-08T08:50:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:50, 8 March 2023
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	=== Narrative Aspects ===		=== Narrative Aspects ===
	[[Red Herrings]] are often present in [[Predetermined Story Structures]], especially those using [[Detective Structures]], to raise the uncertainty regarding how the narrative will progress. It can of course also create [[Surprises]] related to the overall plot besides just momentary ones.		[[Red Herrings]] are often present in [[Narration Structures\|Narration]] and [[Predetermined Story Structures]], especially those using [[Detective Structures]], to raise the uncertainty regarding how the narrative will progress. It can of course also create [[Surprises]] related to the overall plot besides just momentary ones.

	== Consequences ==		== Consequences ==
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	[[Game Worlds]],		[[Game Worlds]],
	[[Levels]],		[[Levels]],
			[[Narration Structures]],
	[[Predetermined Story Structures]]		[[Predetermined Story Structures]]

Staffan Björk at 10:50, 1 July 2015

2015-07-01T10:50:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 1 July 2015
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	Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Puzzle Solving]] related to [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also require some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Puzzle Solving]] related to [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also require some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.

	The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.		The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]; [[Feelies]] can in this context be a special opportunity that combines physical [[Props]] with [[Clues]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.

	=== Diegetic Aspects ===		=== Diegetic Aspects ===
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	[[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],		[[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],
	[[Ephemeral Goals]],		[[Ephemeral Goals]],
			[[Feelies]],
	[[Helpers]],		[[Helpers]],
	[[Imperfect Information]],		[[Imperfect Information]],

Staffan Björk at 12:50, 19 September 2011

2011-09-19T12:50:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:50, 19 September 2011
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	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also require some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Puzzle Solving]] related to [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also require some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.

	The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.		The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.
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	[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].		[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].

	The presence of [[Red Herrings]] means that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]]. Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.		The presence of [[Red Herrings]] means that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]] in itself. Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.

	[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.		[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.
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	[[Information Passing]],		[[Information Passing]],
	[[Props]],		[[Props]],
			[[Puzzle Solving]],
	[[Social Interaction]],		[[Social Interaction]],
	[[Traces]],		[[Traces]],

Staffan Björk at 07:32, 10 September 2011

2011-09-10T07:32:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:32, 10 September 2011
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	~~[[Category:Staffan's current workpage]]~~
	[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]		[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]
	[[Category:Patterns]]		[[Category:Patterns]]

Staffan Björk at 14:47, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T14:47:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 8 September 2011
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	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also ~~requires~~ some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also require some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.

	The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.		The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.
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	[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].		[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].

	The presence of [[Red Herrings]] ~~mean~~ that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]]. Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.		The presence of [[Red Herrings]] means that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]]. Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.

	[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.		[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.

Staffan Björk at 14:46, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T14:46:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 8 September 2011
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	[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]		[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]
	[[Category:Patterns]]		[[Category:Patterns]]
	~~[[Category:Needs work]]~~
	[[Category:Needs revision]]		[[Category:Needs revision]]
	~~[[Category:Needs examples]]~~
	[[Category:Needs references]]		[[Category:Needs references]]
	~~[[Category:Patterns created on the Wiki]]~~		''Objects or information designed to mislead or distract players.''
	~~[[Category:Stub]]~~
	''...''

	~~This pattern is a still a stub.~~		Many games require that players try to figure out the correct or best action, or solve puzzles where not all information is known. [[Red Herrings]], purposely misleading information or objects, can be inserted into the game to make them challenging. Some games, especially strategy games, also give players themselves the possibility to create [[Red Herrings]] for other players in order to distract or deceive them.

	~~Information or potential goals~~ that ~~are designed~~ to ~~either mislead~~ or ~~distract the player~~
	Red Herrings can be ~~deliberately designed~~ into the game to ~~provide alternative gameplay paths as distractions to the players~~. Some games, especially strategy games, also give players themselves the possibility to create Red Herrings ~~as decoys~~ in order to distract or deceive ~~other players. In these cases Red Herrings are used as parts of players' tactics and strategies~~.

	=== Examples ===		=== Examples ===
	Example: the player in Medieval: Total War can set up some of the units as decoys in order to lure other players' units into positions where they are vulnerable to surprise attacks. One common tactic is to hide the archers and cavalry on hills covered by trees and use peasant units to lure the opposing cavalry to charge into a position where archers can volley them down while the player's own cavalry charges downhill to outflank the enemy units.

	[[:Category:Adventure Games\|Adventure Games]] such as [[Police Quest series\|Police Quest]] or [[Zork series]] often use [[Red Herrings]] to give players objects or information that serve no constructive purpose in the games. Sometimes this is only true for a certain time and they can be put to meaningful use but they still serve as [[Red Herrings]] up to that point. Similar uses of objects and information can be found in detective scenarios in [[:Category:Live Action Roleplaying Games\|Live Action Roleplaying Games]] (e.g. [[Conspiracy for Good]]) and [[:Category:Tabletop Roleplaying Games\|Tabletop Roleplaying Games]] (several examples of this can be found in [[Call of Cthulhu]], [[Fallen Reich]], and [[Mutant]]).		[[:Category:Adventure Games\|Adventure Games]] such as [[Police Quest series\|Police Quest]] or [[Zork series]] often use [[Red Herrings]] to give players objects or information that serve no constructive purpose in the games. Sometimes this is only true for a certain time and they can be put to meaningful use but they still serve as [[Red Herrings]] up to that point. Similar uses of objects and information can be found in detective scenarios in [[:Category:Live Action Roleplaying Games\|Live Action Roleplaying Games]] (e.g. [[Conspiracy for Good]]) and [[:Category:Tabletop Roleplaying Games\|Tabletop Roleplaying Games]] (several examples of this can be found in [[Call of Cthulhu]], [[Fallen Reich]], and [[Mutant]]).

	~~Example~~: ~~random wandering monsters in many roleplaying games~~ can ~~distract and~~ in ~~some cases also mislead~~ players.		Players of [[:Category:Strategy Games\|Strategy Games]], especially [[:Category:Real-Time Strategy Games\|Real-Time Strategy Games]] such as the [[Starcraft series]], can use some units as decoys in order to lure other players' into placing their units in positions where they are vulnerable to surprise attacks.



	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==

Staffan Björk at 14:39, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T14:39:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 8 September 2011
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	Example: the player in Medieval: Total War can set up some of the units as decoys in order to lure other players' units into positions where they are vulnerable to surprise attacks. One common tactic is to hide the archers and cavalry on hills covered by trees and use peasant units to lure the opposing cavalry to charge into a position where archers can volley them down while the player's own cavalry charges downhill to outflank the enemy units.		Example: the player in Medieval: Total War can set up some of the units as decoys in order to lure other players' units into positions where they are vulnerable to surprise attacks. One common tactic is to hide the archers and cavalry on hills covered by trees and use peasant units to lure the opposing cavalry to charge into a position where archers can volley them down while the player's own cavalry charges downhill to outflank the enemy units.

	~~Example~~: ~~adventure and roleplaying, especially those with mystery elements,~~ use Red Herrings to give players ~~false clues~~ to ~~make progress more difficult~~ and ~~at the same time more interesting~~.		[[:Category:Adventure Games\|Adventure Games]] such as [[Police Quest series\|Police Quest]] or [[Zork series]] often use [[Red Herrings]] to give players objects or information that serve no constructive purpose in the games. Sometimes this is only true for a certain time and they can be put to meaningful use but they still serve as [[Red Herrings]] up to that point. Similar uses of objects and information can be found in detective scenarios in [[:Category:Live Action Roleplaying Games\|Live Action Roleplaying Games]] (e.g. [[Conspiracy for Good]]) and [[:Category:Tabletop Roleplaying Games\|Tabletop Roleplaying Games]] (several examples of this can be found in [[Call of Cthulhu]], [[Fallen Reich]], and [[Mutant]]).

	Example: random wandering monsters in many roleplaying games can distract and in some cases also mislead players.		Example: random wandering monsters in many roleplaying games can distract and in some cases also mislead players.



	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also requires some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also requires some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.

	The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such.		The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such. The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]]. [[Ephemeral Goals]] may in effect be [[Red Herrings]] since they may intentionally or not distract players from the main goals of a game.

	The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]].

	~~=== Can Be Instantiated By ===~~
	[[Ephemeral Goals]],

	=== Diegetic Aspects ===		=== Diegetic Aspects ===

Staffan Björk at 14:29, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T14:29:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:29, 8 September 2011
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	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. ~~The actual misdirection can be done by subverting~~ [[~~Clues~~]], [[~~Props~~]], [[~~Traces~~]], and [[~~Helpers~~]].		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. This means that [[Red Herrings]] also requires some level of [[Imperfect Information]] to work. The exception is that players can use [[Red Herrings]] to lie about their strategies and intentions even in [[Perfect Information]] games.

	The ~~use~~ of [[Helpers]] ~~is one way to provide misleading~~ [[~~Indirect Information~~]] to ~~players~~.		The actual misdirection required of [[Red Herrings]] can be constructed by subverting [[Clues]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]]. [[Traps]] are often [[Red Herrings]] but naturally need to appear to be something else to work as such.

			The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players through [[Information Passing]]. The other way is to let the other players provide these [[Red Herrings]]. These can be in the form of decoys to help succeed with [[Conceal]] goals, which may be part of [[Social Interaction]].
	The other way is to let the other players provide Red Herrings ~~in the game~~. These can be in the form of decoys to help Conceal goals, ~~but can also~~ be ~~Indirect Information provided during~~ Social Interaction. For Red Herrings to work properly almost always require Imperfect Information or Fog of War. It is possible, however, to use decoys as Red Herrings in games of total Perfect Information to give false impressions to other players about a player's true intentions in the game. The same applies to the use of Direct Information: perhaps the only possible way to use it with Red Herrings is to have decoys.

	=== Can Be Instantiated By ===		=== Can Be Instantiated By ===

	~~[[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],~~
	[[Ephemeral Goals]],		[[Ephemeral Goals]],
	~~[[Information Passing]],~~
	~~[[Traps]]~~


	=== Diegetic Aspects ===		=== Diegetic Aspects ===
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	=== Can Modulate ===		=== Can Modulate ===
	[[Anticipation]],		[[Anticipation]],
			[[Conceal]],
	[[Detective Structures]],		[[Detective Structures]],
	[[Gain Information]],		[[Gain Information]],
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	[[Ephemeral Goals]],		[[Ephemeral Goals]],
	[[Helpers]],		[[Helpers]],
			[[Imperfect Information]],
	[[Information Passing]],		[[Information Passing]],
	[[Props]],		[[Props]],
			[[Social Interaction]],
	[[Traces]],		[[Traces]],
	[[Traps]]		[[Traps]]

Staffan Björk at 14:19, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T14:19:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 8 September 2011
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	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==
	~~Games with Narrative Structures often use~~ Red Herrings ~~to raise the uncertainty~~ of ~~the progression of the narrative and also to create Surprises~~. Clues, Traces, and ~~especially~~ Helpers ~~can be used as Red Herrings in a game to mislead players~~. The use of Helpers is one way to provide misleading Indirect Information to players. The other way~~, naturally,~~ is to let the other players provide Red Herrings in the game. These can be in the form of decoys to help Conceal goals, but can also be Indirect Information provided during Social Interaction. For Red Herrings to work properly almost always require Imperfect Information or Fog of War. It is possible, however, to use decoys as Red Herrings in games of total Perfect Information to give false impressions to other players about a player's true intentions in the game. The same applies to the use of Direct Information: perhaps the only possible way to use it with Red Herrings is to have decoys.		Inserting [[Red Herrings]] into a game design is basically a case of misdirecting players regarding how they can solve goals, typically [[Gain Information]] or [[Gain Ownership]]. The actual misdirection can be done by subverting [[Clues]], [[Props]], [[Traces]], and [[Helpers]].

			The use of [[Helpers]] is one way to provide misleading [[Indirect Information]] to players.


			The other way is to let the other players provide Red Herrings in the game. These can be in the form of decoys to help Conceal goals, but can also be Indirect Information provided during Social Interaction. For Red Herrings to work properly almost always require Imperfect Information or Fog of War. It is possible, however, to use decoys as Red Herrings in games of total Perfect Information to give false impressions to other players about a player's true intentions in the game. The same applies to the use of Direct Information: perhaps the only possible way to use it with Red Herrings is to have decoys.

	=== Can Be Instantiated By ===		=== Can Be Instantiated By ===
	~~[[Clues]],~~
	[[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],		[[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],
	[[Ephemeral Goals]],		[[Ephemeral Goals]],
	~~[[Helpers]],~~
	[[Information Passing]],		[[Information Passing]],
	~~[[Props]],~~
	~~[[Traces]],~~
	[[Traps]]		[[Traps]]

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	=== Narrative Aspects ===		=== Narrative Aspects ===
	[[Red Herrings]] are often present in [[Detective Structures]] to ~~make~~ the ~~stories these present more complex and interesting~~.		[[Red Herrings]] are often present in [[Predetermined Story Structures]], especially those using [[Detective Structures]], to raise the uncertainty regarding how the narrative will progress. It can of course also create [[Surprises]] related to the overall plot besides just momentary ones.

	== Consequences ==		== Consequences ==
	[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].		[[Red Herrings]] populate [[Game Worlds]] and [[Levels]] with irrelevant or misleading content. While this can make [[Game World Exploration]] and [[Game World Navigation\|Navigation]] more difficult, it can also support [[Thematic Consistency]] by providing a more believable amount of content. Discovering that [[Red Herrings]] are in fact [[Red Herrings]] is likely to be a [[Surprises\|Surprise]], but may also lead to player frustration and work against them feeling a [[Value of Effort]].

	The presence of [[Red Herrings]] mean that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]].		The presence of [[Red Herrings]] mean that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]]. Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.

	Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.

	and, in some cases, can be used to promote Varied Gameplay even at the cost of Disruption of Focused Attention. Careless use of Red Herrings, however, can cause problems with the Right Level of Complexity and

	~~. Red Herrings in some cases can also be used to provide Right Level of Complexity if the gameplay would otherwise be too straightforward~~.

	[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.		[[Red Herrings]] are potentially conflicting with [[Supporting Goals]] in the sense that what to players may seem the latter can turn out to be the former.
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	[[Complex Gameplay]],		[[Complex Gameplay]],
	[[Freedom of Choice]],		[[Freedom of Choice]],
			[[Indirect Information]],
	[[Puzzle Solving]],		[[Puzzle Solving]],
	[[Surprises]],		[[Surprises]],
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	[[Anticipation]],		[[Anticipation]],
	[[Detective Structures]],		[[Detective Structures]],
			[[Gain Information]],
			[[Gain Ownership]],
	[[Game World Exploration]],		[[Game World Exploration]],
	[[Game World Navigation]],		[[Game World Navigation]],
	[[Game Worlds]],		[[Game Worlds]],
	[[Levels]]		[[Levels]],
			[[Predetermined Story Structures]]

	=== Can Be Instantiated By ===		=== Can Be Instantiated By ===

Staffan Björk at 13:49, 8 September 2011

2011-09-08T13:49:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 8 September 2011
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	The presence of [[Red Herrings]] mean that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]].		The presence of [[Red Herrings]] mean that players have a [[Freedom of Choice]] while playing, even if there might only be one "correct" alternative. By thus giving players more potential outcomes from actions and more things to consider while playing the game, [[Red Herrings]] can create both [[Complex Gameplay\|Complex]] and [[Challenging Gameplay]], and deciding which actions, information, etc. is worth investigating can be a form of [[Puzzle Solving]].

			Knowledge that [[Red Herrings]] make exist can modulate [[Anticipation]] and lead to increased [[Tension]] as players are more uncertain about the effects of their efforts.

	~~This modulation of Anticipation can lead to increased Tension as players are more uncertain about the possible outcomes~~ and, in some cases, can be used to promote Varied Gameplay even at the cost of Disruption of Focused Attention. Careless use of Red Herrings, however, can cause problems with the Right Level of Complexity and		and, in some cases, can be used to promote Varied Gameplay even at the cost of Disruption of Focused Attention. Careless use of Red Herrings, however, can cause problems with the Right Level of Complexity and

	. Red Herrings in some cases can also be used to provide Right Level of Complexity if the gameplay would otherwise be too straightforward.		. Red Herrings in some cases can also be used to provide Right Level of Complexity if the gameplay would otherwise be too straightforward.
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	[[Puzzle Solving]],		[[Puzzle Solving]],
	[[Surprises]],		[[Surprises]],
			[[Tension]],
	[[Thematic Consistency]]		[[Thematic Consistency]]

	=== Can Modulate ===		=== Can Modulate ===
			[[Anticipation]],
	[[Detective Structures]],		[[Detective Structures]],
	[[Game World Exploration]],		[[Game World Exploration]],