Encoun

Encoun is a term used in game design and interactive narrative studies to describe a structured encounter event with narrative or tactical consequences. Coined as a contraction of encounter, Encoun functions as a conceptual tool rather than a universal game mechanic, and its exact implementation can vary between projects.

An Encoun is typically triggered by specific conditions such as entering a zone, completing an objective, or after a period of time. It may be generated randomly from a weighted pool or be scripted to occur at predefined moments. Designers commonly organize Encouns with encounter tables or procedural systems that assign type (combat, social, puzzle, exploration) and difficulty relative to player progress. Outcomes may range from a skirmish to a dialogue, a riddle, or a short environmental vignette.

Balancing Encouns involves pacing, risk and reward, and the player’s sense of agency. Effective Encouns feel consequential without derailing progress, provide meaningful choices, and reflect the game’s setting. Accessibility considerations include clear signals, scalable difficulty, and avoiding excessive repetition.

Historically, Encouns draw from tabletop role-playing traditions where encounter tables and random die results guided sessions. In modern video games, Encoun concepts appear in roguelikes, open-world RPGs, and narrative-driven titles as a mechanism to structure exploration and progression. Variants include fully open-world Encouns, tightly scripted chapters with set outcomes, or hybrid systems that blend randomness with narrative arc.

Related terms include encounter, random encounter, encounter table, procedural generation, and narrative beat.