parents: Game Archetype
children: Convergent Goals vs. Divergent Goals, Multiple Paths Race
The Race Archetype is a Game Archetype where the Victory Condition is to be the first to achieve a predefined goal.
It is considered one of the Three Primary PVP Archetypes.
Define
- Core Principle: The essence is “first to Goal X,” not the specific form of the race. The primary focus is on advancing one’s own progress.
- Path to Victory: Winning is about achieving the goal with greater Efficiency (e.g., in time, resources, or actions).
- Spectrum of Interaction: Race games exist on a spectrum, from peaceful optimization contests to destructive competitions, depending on the allowed level of Player Interaction.
The Goal
The “goal” in a race can take many forms:
- Crossing a Finish Line: As in racing games like Mario Kart.
- Reaching a Resource Threshold: For example, being the first to gain 10 gold in a board game.
- Destroying an Enemy Base: Like in StarCraft.
- Depleting Enemy Health: As in Hearthstone, where health acts as a countdown track.
Examples
- Racing Games
- Mahjong
- Dou Di Zhu
- The economy-building phase of an Auto-battler.