forcedby

Forcedby is a term used in game design, interactive fiction, and related fields to describe a constraint mechanism that compels the player to take a specific action or follow a predetermined path. Unlike generic gating or gating that is signposted, a forcedby constraint prevents viable alternatives until certain conditions are met or a particular event occurs.

Coined from the phrase "forced by," the term emphasizes causation by system state rather than player preference. While not widely standardized, forcedby appears in design discussions and documentation as a shorthand for state-driven determinism within a narrative or puzzle structure.

Common forms include forced progression (a sequence that must be completed before continuing), forced branches (the game restricts choices to maintain a story beat), and forced prerequisites (an item or status that unlocks actions). In practice, forcedby elements are implemented as state-machine transitions, gating conditions, or scripted sequences that trigger under defined conditions.

Forcedby can help ensure narrative coherence, pacing, accessibility compliance, or puzzle solvability. However, it can also reduce perceived agency and increase frustration if overused or poorly signposted. Designers often pair forcedby mechanics with clear signaling or optional content to balance structure with choice.

See also: player agency, gating, branching narrative, constraint-based design, procedural rhetoric.