Most often, computer games have a certain plot, based on which users have to complete missions and pass levels. You have probably noticed many times text messages that appear before or after completing a task. They are called briefing and debriefing, so today we are going to talk about these concepts. Let's briefly look at the definitions and proceed to the most interesting part – illustrative examples.
What are briefing and debriefing in games
- in military contexts, it is a brief oral summary of the details of current or future operations explained to participants or observers;
- any set of brief instructions or measures;
- a meeting during which detailed information or instructions are given.
By drawing parallels with the definition of briefing, debriefing is a short report, providing information after performing certain actions/events. In games, briefing/debriefing elements are most often used as an instrument to present important information to facilitate passing the game, understanding the storyline, or fulfill the conditions for victory.
Examples of briefing/debriefing elements in games
Video:
Video example from XCOM 2 by Firaxis Games:
00.04 – Briefing window of the mission (type, name, location, objective, difficulty and reward).
02.35 – Briefing window of the mission (name, task (more details), objective (more details), location (more details), and hint).
43.40 – Debriefing window of the mission (message about mission completion, name of the operation, type of the operation, the task, turns taken, the number of enemies killed, the number of wounded and killed soldiers, and rating of the mission)
Video example from Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II by Relic Entertainment:
10.02 – Briefing window of the mission (name, story monologue, objective, reward).
16.56 – Debriefing window of the mission (message about mission completion, operation name, and reward).
Video example from A Little Lost by Goodgame Studios).
01.18 – Level briefing window (the task)
02.56 – Debriefing window (level of task completion and total score).
Screenshots:
XCOM 2 by Firaxis Games
Example of a briefing of the mission screen for understanding the plot.
Example of operation screen briefing (informing about mandatory and optional objectives):
Example of operation screen debriefing (information about completed tasks and team losses):
... information about failed mission:
Example of operation screen debriefing (information about leveling up and the number of wounded):
Example of a debriefing of the mission screen (information about the results affecting the plot and rewards for successful completion):
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II by Relic Entertainment
Example of briefing screen (mission name, location, enemy type, story dialog, objectives, hints, and reward are displayed):
