So we’ve got our heartbeat—the core gameplay loop. But here’s the thing: even the most fun loop can get old if players don’t feel like they’re going anywhere
That’s where player progression systems come in.
They’re the long-term motivation engine—the reason players keep coming back.
Progression can look like:
➡️ Leveling up and unlocking new abilities
➡️ Upgrading gear and tools
➡️ Customizing characters and skills
➡️ Unlocking new worlds or story chapters
Why is this crucial? Because progression gives players a sense of growth, purpose, and ownership. It transforms short bursts of fun into a journey worth sticking around for.
Think of it this way: the loop keeps players entertained moment-to-moment. Progression keeps them invested for the long haul.
Here’s the prompt:
"Act as a professional game systems designer. Help me design the rules and core mechanics for a new [type of game: board game, card game, RPG, or video game]. Your job is to transform my initial concept into a playable framework. Specifically, guide me through:
1. The main objectives and win/lose conditions – What’s the ultimate goal, and how do players succeed or fail?
2, The core gameplay loop – Outline what players will repeatedly do (e.g., explore, gather, fight, trade, solve puzzles).
3. Character or player progression systems – Design ways for players to grow stronger (skills, levels, abilities, upgrades, equipment). And provide different progression tracks to maintain player choice and variety.
4. Balancing mechanics – How to keep difficulty fair, engaging, and replayable.
5. Rule clarity – Tips for explaining mechanics simply so players can pick them up fast.
6. Prototype ruleset – End with a concise bullet-point version of the rules that I can immediately test.
Make sure your response blends professional structure (clear rules, balance considerations) with creative sparks (unexpected twists, thematic elements, unique mechanics) so the game feels both playable and original."