‘Training Wheels’ Meaning in Gaming | Esports Terms Explained
Training wheels are features or modes that make a game easier for new players. They are usually optional, meaning the players can choose to use them or not. They are also usually temporary, meaning the players can disable them or lose them as they progress. They are named after the devices that are attached to bicycles to help beginners learn how to balance and ride.
Training wheels are common in games that have a high learning curve, which is the amount of time or effort required to master the game. These games often have complex or challenging mechanics, strategies, or skills. Training wheels can help the players overcome the initial difficulty, frustration, or confusion of the game.
Training wheels are used for several reasons. Some of the most common ones are:
To teach the game: Training wheels can teach the players the basics of the game, such as the controls, the rules, or the objectives. They can also teach the players the advanced aspects of the game, such as the tips, the tricks, or the secrets. They can also teach the players the etiquette of the game, such as the norms, the expectations, or the manners.
To improve the game: Training wheels can improve the players’ performance, confidence, or enjoyment of the game. They can also improve the players’ skills, knowledge, or experience of the game. They can also improve the players’ retention, engagement, or loyalty of the game.
To balance the game: Training wheels can balance the game, by reducing the gap or the disparity between the players. They can also balance the game, by increasing the diversity or the variety of the players. They can also balance the game, by enhancing the fairness or the competitiveness of the game.
How do Training Wheels vary in different games?
Training wheels vary in different games, depending on the game’s genre, design, or audience. Here are some examples of how training wheels vary in some popular games:
Dark Souls: Training wheels are minimal and subtle, as the game is known for its high difficulty and unforgiving nature. The game does not have a tutorial, a difficulty setting, or a pause button. The game does have some hints, such as messages, bloodstains, or ghosts, that are left by other players or the developers. The game also has some items, such as rings, spells, or weapons, that can make the game easier, but they are often hidden, limited, or risky.
Mario Kart: Training wheels are optional and adjustable, as the game is designed for casual and family-friendly fun. The game has a tutorial, a difficulty setting, and a pause button. The game also has some features, such as smart steering, auto accelerate, or tilt controls, that can help the players steer, speed, or turn. The game also has some items, such as shells, bananas, or mushrooms, that can help the players catch up, slow down, or boost.
Fortnite: Training wheels are dynamic and adaptive, as the game is constantly evolving and expanding. The game has a tutorial, a difficulty setting, and a pause button. The game also has some modes, such as creative, playground, or team rumble, that can let the players practice, explore, or experiment. The game also has some mechanics, such as bots, skill-based matchmaking, or party assist, that can match the players with similar skill levels, or help them complete challenges.
Final Thoughts
Training wheels are features or modes that make a game easier for new players. They are used to teach, improve, and balance the game. They also vary in different games, depending on the game’s genre, design, or audience.