Memory

Memory, from a cognitive psychology standpoint, is a complex system that involves encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. It is not a static repository but a dynamic and constructive process.

Encoding: This is the initial phase where information is transformed into a format that can be stored in the brain. Encoding can be influenced by attention, perception, and the meaningfulness of the material. Deep processing, which involves relating new information to existing knowledge, leads to more robust encoding and better long-term retention.

Storage: Once encoded, information is stored in the brain. There are three primary types of memory storage:

Sensory Memory: A very brief and exact copy of sensory input, lasting for fractions of a second.

Short-Term Memory (STM): Information held for up to about 30 seconds unless rehearsed. STM has a limited capacity, typically around 7±2 discrete chunks of information.

Long-Term Memory (LTM): Information that is stored for longer periods, potentially for a lifetime. LTM has a much larger capacity than STM.

Retrieval: This is the process of accessing information stored in memory. Retrieval cues can help bring back memories. Contextual cues, such as being in the same location where you learned something, can aid in retrieval. Semantic cues, which involve recalling related concepts, can also trigger memories.

Forgetting: Forgetting is a natural part of the memory process. It occurs due to decay over time, interference from other memories, or failure to retrieve due to a lack of appropriate cues. The forgetting curve, described by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that information is forgotten at an exponential rate unless it is reviewed periodically.

Limits of Memory:

Capacity: As mentioned, short-term memory has a limited capacity, which can be expanded somewhat through chunking (grouping smaller units of information into larger chunks).

Duration: Sensory memory is fleeting, short-term memory lasts for seconds to minutes, and long-term memory can last for years, but even LTM is subject to forgetting.

Accuracy: Memories can be distorted by misinformation, leading to false memories. The reconstructive nature of memory means that details can change with each retrieval.

Rehearsal and Maintenance: Rehearsing information, especially through elaborative rehearsal (integrating new information with existing knowledge), helps transfer it from short-term to long-term memory. Maintenance rehearsal (repeating information over and over) can also help keep information in STM but is less effective for long-term retention.

Cognitive Load: The amount of mental effort required to process information. High cognitive load can impair the ability to encode and retain new information effectively.

Based on these characteristics of memory, we see that level designs in games that challenge players’ memory are not without bounds; they do not excessively push players beyond their limits. This is because doing so would contravene the fundamental goal of game design, which is to create challenges that are stimulating but not overwhelmingly frustrating to the player.

When designing levels that test memory, game developers must consider the cognitive capacities of players, ensuring that the demands placed on memory are balanced with factors like attention span, processing speed, and working memory capacity. Excessive demands can lead to player frustration and disinterest, thereby undermining the entertainment value and the intended gaming experience.

For example, in a card-flipping game, it is universally acknowledged that fewer cards make the goal easier to achieve. The game could start with just four cards, gradually increasing the difficulty. However, if an entire deck of cards were presented to the player, most would likely give up after a glance, finding the challenge too daunting to engage with.

In the same way, requiring players to memorize long sequences of moves without any visual or auditory cues can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, good game design often incorporates memory challenges that are integrated with other gameplay elements, such as pattern recognition, strategic planning, or motor skills.

For instance, the game Space Channel 5 on the Dreamcast console puts players in the role of a host who infiltrates an alien spaceship. To defeat the opponents that appear, the player must mimic the aliens’ movements, remembering their sequence and rhythm. This taps into short-term memory, which has an upper limit of approximately 9 chunks of information. Therefore, the challenges posed in the game are kept within reasonable bounds. The mechanics of mirroring the aliens’ dance moves serve as a fun and interactive way to challenge players’ short-term memory. The game cleverly structures its levels to gradually increase the complexity of the sequences, allowing players to build upon their skills and memory capacity. The catchy music and rhythmic gameplay further reinforce the memorization process, making it more enjoyable and less of a cognitive strain. I can still recall the sound and rhythm of “up down up down shoot shoot shoot” from the game, which indicates that what was once a demand on my short-term memory has now transitioned into my long-term memory. This demonstrates how engaging gameplay can leave a lasting impression, embedding patterns and sequences into our long-term memory through repeated exposure and practice. This phenomenon is a testament to the effectiveness of games in utilizing cognitive principles to create memorable and impactful experiences.

Furthermore, games often include mechanisms to support memory, such as save points, tutorials, and in-game hints, which can help players manage the cognitive load and reduce the risk of memory overload. You might also notice that puzzle-solving elements are prevalent in many games. Seasoned players will realize that the clues for solving a puzzle are most often found in close proximity to the puzzle itself. Game designers challenge the player’s memory not by requiring them to recall details from distant parts of the game, such as remembering specifics from the first floor while on the third, but rather by testing whether the player paid attention to recent hints or environmental cues.

During the 8-bit era, game design often relied on players memorizing patterns and learning the layout of levels to succeed. This was partly due to hardware limitations and partly a design choice to increase replay value and challenge. The predictability allowed skilled players to anticipate enemy movements and plan strategies accordingly.

Modern games, especially those in genres like action RPGs, have evolved to include more dynamic systems. Procedural generation can lead to different enemy configurations each time a level is played, ensuring that players cannot simply rely on memorization. This can add excitement and challenge, as each playthrough offers new scenarios.

However, some games maintain a focus on difficulty and precision, like the Soulsborne series (Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, etc.). These games often feature fixed enemy placements to ensure that the challenge comes from mastering the combat system and level design rather than from random chance. The difficulty in these games is not diminished by predictability; instead, it requires players to learn enemy attack patterns, timing, and positioning to progress.

Despite knowing exactly where enemies will appear, victory in these games is far from guaranteed. It demands patience, practice, and strategic thinking. This style of gameplay has become synonymous with a certain type of hardcore gamer who enjoys the satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds through skill and determination.

It’s truly remarkable that even with predictable enemy patterns, we still find it difficult to triumph, isn’t it? I understand the theory, but my hands just can’t keep up with what my mind knows they should do.