The Power-up Experience: A study of Power-ups in Games and their Effect on Player Experience

Abstract

There is a lack of a comprehensive discussion in the literature of what a power-up is and how it can be studied, and the term is often used without definition. Using a case study of Metroid Prime, I argue that the most interesting aspect of power-ups as game mechanic is that they shift experiential character when a given power-up's implied formal use changes during gameplay. With this I mean that a power-up can at the same time be a means to achieve a goal as well as a goal to be achieved itself. A model explaining this is provided. I also propose a model for categorizing power-ups in an attempt to differentiate power- ups from other formal design elements and in such a manner provide a possible reference for designers looking to choose appropriate solutions for their games, as well as an analytical tool for researchers.