Kjernespill

Kjernespill, often translated as "core gameplay," refers to the fundamental actions and mechanics that define a video game. It is the set of interactions that players engage in most frequently and that form the central loop of the game experience. For example, in a platformer, the core gameplay might involve jumping, running, and avoiding obstacles. In a role-playing game, it could be combat, exploration, and character progression.

The kjernespill is crucial for a game's success as it is what players will be repeating throughout their playtime. A well-designed kjernespill is engaging, satisfying, and provides a solid foundation upon which other game elements, such as story, graphics, and sound design, can build. If the kjernespill is tedious or uninteresting, even a game with excellent presentation can fail to hold player attention. Developers spend a significant amount of time iterating on and refining the kjernespill to ensure it is fun and accessible. The concept helps differentiate between the core interactive experience and secondary features like minigames or story cutscenes.