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What moods should there be?
I just made a post on gameplay & simulation about an idea for how moods might work. Basically mood is a positive negative slider, and there are desires that come from mood affecting events. Those desires fall into more specific mood categories. So positive versus negative mood, and emotions are characterized by temporary desires. But that got me thinking about what emotions there should be…
So here’s a brainstorm. I’m trying to break away from the pre-existing simulation game standards, but with something like mood, the list of possible options is small enough that it might be hard, but anyway:
- Motivated: causes Paras to want to work hard at their career or at learning a skill. Caused by getting a new job, getting a promotion, getting significantly better at a skill, trying a new skill that the para is excited about, consuming inspirational media, etc…
- Evolutionary: the para wants to make dramatic changes in their life like moving, switching careers, getting a tattoo, revamping their wardrobe, join a new social circle, etc… Caused by an extended period lacking strong emotions; the para feels held down by the monotonous, mechanical flow of life. They want change.
- Romantic: The para has just been in a conversation about romantic partners, watched a romance, or is just feeling a little lonely. They want to partake in romantic behavior whether that’s curling up with a partner on the sofa, making an online dating profile, or flirting with attractive strangers at a bar.
- Celebratory: something great has happened to the para, or they have accomplished something worth being proud of. They want to tell a friend about their promotion, throw a party to celebrate their engagement, or show off their newly found expert status in a skill.
- Warm: the para is feeling warm and fuzzy about life. They got to pet a puppy, or hold a friend’s baby, or they’ve just gotten married and are thinking about children. Maybe they’ve just watched a romance movie and feel extra appreciative of their partner. The para wants to hug someone, adopt a kitten, have a baby, snuggle with their s/o, etc…
- Disgusted: Something has irked the para, whether it be an unwanted attempt at affection by someone they’re just not that into, a poorly cooked meal, or a horrible smelling stranger. The para wants to take a shower to wash away the experience, have some tea to wash out the bad taste, tell off the offender, complain to a friend, etc…
- Embarrassed: the para has performed poorly at work, has behaved awkwardly, has been rejected, etc… They now want to go out with friends to forget, talk through it with a loved one, etc…
- Lonely: this para is in need of a little company whether because of spending too long without being social, or not having a lot of friends. They want to go out and have fun, meet someone new, throw a party, video chat with someone, rekindle an old friendship, etc…
- Furious: the para has been offended by awful service from a restaurant or hired handyman, a ride para, etc… They want to tell off the offender, complain to friends, write something scathing online, or get a massage to relax.
What do y’all think? Any other emotions you think are going to wind up in the game?