Flow in Battlefield 2
I experienced flow frequently while playing Battlefield 2. One of the biggest tools the game uses to promote flow is the inclusion of a wide variety of vehicles in the game. These serve two purposes. First, they make it easier to travel across the maps and between flags, which cuts down on having to trudge along on foot. The vehicles also vary widely in their speed, weaponry and the skill required to pilot them. For example, a buggy is fast, maneuverable and easy to drive, but is lightly armored and equipped with only a light machine gun. In contrast, an attack helicopter can fly and has a much more powerful armament. However, when neophytes jump in a copter for the first time, they will almost always immediately crash and kill themselves. By making the powerful and fun vehicles more difficult to drive, the game promotes flow by allowing players to set reasonable goals for how improve their skills.
Another game play mechanic that helps promote flow is the game’s class system. When players join a game they choose to play as either a medic, an engineer, a sniper, a special ops character, an assault character or a support class. The roles players fulfill depend upon which classes they pick. For example an assault character is equipped with a heavy machine gun and is designed to spearhead an attack, whereas a medic's is job is to keep other players alive, and consequently they don't use their guns as frequently. This system helps promote flow because, unlike in games like Counter Strike, each class requires a different skill set, so that the game remains accessible to people who aren’t necessarily particularly good at shooting.
Battlefield 2 does a great job of encouraging flow through sheer technical excellence. A key component in experienceing flow is emersion into another world, and Battlefield 2’s graphics and sound design definitely help to transport players into a modern war zone. The models and vehicles are very detailed, the environments are lush, and the bombs and bullets sound loud and crisp.
Finally, the game’s rhythm is well designed to players keep in the game. Unlike in Counter Strike, where death can mean a 2 minutes wait before the next round, Battlefield 2 only requires players to wait usually no more than 10 seconds before respawning.
Comments
This is very good and detailed, but it's interesting that you made no mention of other players or the social aspects of the game. Maybe you want to add something about that?
Posted by: Celia Pearce![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://interactive.usc.edu/members/students/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 11, 2005 7:40 PM