Action Games and Beat Them All

This lecture delves into the concept of 'flow' in action games, where players are fully engaged and satisfied. It explores the importance of game difficulty, time pressure, rewards, and environment design. The evolution of action games from 1958 to the present day is discussed, highlighting the shift towards 3D gameplay, multiplayer modes, and narrative techniques. The lecture also examines the emergence of Beat Them All (BTA) games, their characteristics, and their evolution over time. It concludes with a reflection on the future of action games and the impact of hybrid genres on the gaming industry.