Procedural Content Generation

This chapter identifies problematic areas of game design where procedural content generation (PCG) offers valuable solutions. The following issues can present difficult challenges for traditional static or linear design approaches: memory restrictions, demand for increasing detail, replayability and longevity, novelty and innovation, ownership/authorship. The chapter discusses the differences between active and preparatory PCG, describes common PCG content types and their production, and finally examines the limitations and potential for PCG in game design. Throughout the chapter commercial games and research projects are used both as reference material and for supporting metrics. The growing need for increased size, detail, and interactivity in game worlds means that developers need to find solutions that are cost effective and innovative. PCG systems are capable of providing many of these solutions and, perhaps more importantly, suggesting new forms of game play and design.