This document serves as a mock-up for a standalone mechanic for a generic sports game and it is not open to use.
Overview
TrickShot Mode is an advanced skill challenge within a larger hypothetical basketball game. Players unlock it at Level 5 and can use it to grind for Gold Coins, which are spent on cosmetics, animations, and in-game perks. TrickShot Mode encourages daily logins and repeat play with a stamina system, rewarding skill-based gameplay.
F2P & Grind Mechanics
- Unlock Progression – Players gain access after levelling up in standard basketball matches.
- Gold Coin Economy – TrickShot Mode fuels the main game’s economy.
- Daily Play Incentives – Limited stamina and daily rewards drive engagement.
- Skill-Based Rewards – Players improve trick shot mastery over time.
Core Loop
TrickShot Mode is a 2.5D mini-game with a locked screen and fixed player position, inspired by the mechanics of “Bowman” and “Angry Birds”. Players aim and shoot using a drag, draw, and release mechanic, where:
- Drag controls aim direction.
- Draw controls shot power.
- Release executes the throw.
Players receive a score after each challenge, with rewards based on score and level difficulty multiplier.
Objective:
- Score trick shots using gravity physics and dynamic obstacles before the time limit.
Core Mechanics:
- Precision shooting using a drag-to-aim & draw-to-power system.
- Floating obstacles & airlocks influence ball trajectory at higher levels.
- Combo multipliers for consecutive perfect shots.
Challenge Scaling:
- Early levels: Stationary hoops, simple rebounds.
- Later levels: Moving hoops, rotating platforms, gravity shifts.
Grind & Progression
Progression is map-based, with players advancing to new levels as they improve.
Rewards & Level Progression:
- The first level grants 1 premium coin, with increasing difficulty and higher coin payouts per level.
- Final stage: Space Station TrickShot Arena, the ultimate challenge.
- Minimum payment of 1 premium coin and 500 standard coins per try after the first levels.
Stamina System:
- Players have 3 attempts per day.
- Stamina regenerates over time (every 8 hours).
- Option to purchase premium stamina refills.
This structure ensures a balanced experience for both paying and non-paying players, providing free players with long-term challenges and rewards, while allowing paying players to accelerate progression with stamina refills.
Monetization
This Mini-Game will generate revenue by following those three structures.
- Daily Login Bonus: Bonus Gold Coins for consecutive logins.
- Limited-Time TrickShot Events: Special seasonal & rare levels with exclusive rewards.
- Premium Stamina Refill: Players can buy additional attempts.
Daily bonuses encourage consistent player engagement, stamina refills create controlled access to premium coins, and limited-time events increase long-term retention by introducing fresh content.
Level Design
TrickShot Mode unlocks new courts as players progress. Level difficulty increases based on:
- Obstacle Complexity.
- Gravity Adjustments.
- Score Thresholds.
A vast and expandable map pool ensures long-term replayability, which can be further complemented by a battle pass integration in the main game.
Level Design Sample
Space Station TrickShot Arena
- Visual Style: High-tech neon-lit space court with holographic hoops.
- Obstacles & Hazards:
- Airlocks opening and shifting ball trajectory.
- Floating debris affects bounce angles.
- Moving platforms adds difficulty.
- Dynamic Events:
- Meteor Showers – Random projectiles blocking shots.
- Artificial Gravity Changes – Intermittent low/high gravity effects.
This structure supports the core concept of the mini-game maintaining open to expansions ensuring that all features remain engaging, scalable, and adaptable to future updates.
User Interface
UI & Wireframe Description
- Main Menu: ‘TrickShot Challenge’ unlocks at Level 5.
- Gameplay UI:
- Timer (countdown for shots).
- Shot Meter (power & angle adjustment).
- Guideline (throw preview after holding the shot for one second)
- Score (reward bonuses for complex shots).
- Results Screen:
- Trick shots made.
- Rewards earned.
- Retry button with premium currency option
Those images reference two possible result screen scenarios.
Prototype Structure
What Prototyping Means
A basic Unreal Engine setup to test mechanics before full implementation. Focus areas:
- Gravity-based shooting mechanics.
- Bouncing physics interactions.
- UI feedback and player controls.
Prototype Goals
- Physics Test: Ball movement in zero-G environments.
- Scoring System: Ensuring fair and rewarding scaling.
- Obstacle Interaction: Testing floating hazards & dynamic objects.
Iteration & Playtesting
- First Test: Tuning shooting mechanics & power scaling.
- Second Test: Refining gravity effects & trick shot difficulty.
- Third Test: Balancing economy, stamina, and reward pacing.
Conclusion
This TrickShot Mode integrates into a larger basketball game, offering:
- Unlockable progression – Players reach it at Level 5.
- Gold Coin economy – Integrate the rewards from the mini-game with the overall economy of the main game.
- F2P monetization hooks – Daily login rewards & stamina refills.
TrickShot Mode serves as a powerful, engaging, and lucrative enhancement to a free-to-play sports game, making it an essential feature that captivates players and drives revenue.