Grecian Generals

Project Type

Live-Service Game Model

Skills/Tools

- Progression Design

- Economy Design

- Excel

- Machinations

- Live-Service Monetization

Project Overview

Grecian Generals is a set of system models for a hypothetical live-service RTS game. It includes progression systems, an in-game economy, and monetization strategies designed to retain players in a free-to-play game space for hundreds or even thousands of hours. The systems were modeled in both Excel and Machinations. This project shows my abilities with with retention systems like long-term progression and in-game economies, as well as my skills with system modeling in Excel and system visualization in Machinations.

Jump To...

- Level Progression

- Gear Economy

- Mathematical Models

- Monetization Plan

Level Progression

For this project, I designed a level progression for a live-service RTS game, with the goal of producing at least 400 hours of engaging gameplay. The model features the following elements:

Tracking of the key progression reward (Skill points for upgrading troops) to ensure a healthy reward schedule
Balance with the gear economy to ensure a consistent and variable series of gear and level rewards
Distinct ranges where the mathematical model changes to fulfill the game's current needs
- For example, rapid levelling during the early-game to reduce friction and churn

This graph shows:

Output of progression model in Hours Per Level
Different equations governing different sections of the model for more precise control of player experience

Gear Economy

For this project, I also designed a gear economy that would function throughout the entire level progression. The model featured the following elements:

A basic currency to be acquired through gameplay and spent on Gear
Drop rates and break rates for gear, making sure to avoid both resource inflation and stagnation
Basic and Elite gear, each with their own rates and costs
Changing patterns throughout level progression so the economy could fulfill different needs for different players

This graph shows:

Net Gear and Elite Gear at each level
- Factors in drop rates, currency costs, and break rates
Changes in graph trends to fulfill design goals at different levels
An inflection point at Level 20 when Elite Gear becomes optimal to buy

Mathematical Models

This Machinations simulation lets you see both the Level Progression and Gear Economy run in real-time. Go ahead and hit play! You can watch as:

Level-up thresholds increase
Drop rates fluctuate
Break rates fluctuate
Elite Gear is randomly dropped
Spoils are gained and spent on Gear
The patterns of the Economy change as the player moves through the Progression

Below you can see the Excel sheet that governs that Machinations model. Different level-ranges are color-coded to mark the different Progression Sections, and are governed by different mathematical models. For example:

The first few levels are hard-coded to happen after a set number of Encounters
Later levels are governed by an exponential model to extend level rewards, as Gear becomes a larger focus

Monetization Plan

Grecian Generals was concepted as a free-to-play game. So, I designed a monetization plan featuring proven monetization features tailored specifically to Grecian Generals with an emphasis on ethical long-term profits. You can see the pitch deck for my monetization strategy below!

Key Elements:

XP Boosts to accelerate progression without giving XP for free
Simple cosmetic purchases
Buyable build customization
Lootboxes designed with an emphasis on fairness