Spelformat

Spelformat is a term used to describe the structured design of a game, including the rules, progression, pacing, and presentation that shape the player experience. It defines what players can do, how often actions occur, how outcomes are determined, and how the game is observed by others.

Core components include game mechanics (rules and interactions), structure (levels, rounds, or modes), progression and scoring, balance constraints (time, resources), and presentation (visuals, narration, and user interface). The format helps separate core gameplay from setting or narrative and can influence accessibility and replayability.

In practice, spelformat is used in game design, esports and tournament planning, tabletop publishing, and media production such as game shows and streaming. It provides a blueprint for developers, producers, players, and referees, and supports early testing and iteration.

Common formats may include round-based competition, time-limited challenges, open-ended progression, or cooperative objectives, each with defined victory conditions and failure states.

Creating a spelformat often involves balancing complexity, clarity, and pacing, with playtesting and feedback guiding revisions.

See also related topics include game design, game mechanics, and media formats.