Gates - Games

In gaming, gates serve as fundamental design elements that control progression, pacing, and narrative flow. They can be literal barriers—locked doors, magical seals, or environmental obstacles—requiring players to solve puzzles, acquire items, or defeat enemies to advance. Symbolically, gates often represent transitions: between game worlds, story chapters, or character development stages. They create tension by limiting access, rewarding exploration, and structuring gameplay loops. From Metroidvania-style ability gates to RPG story gates, they guide player agency while maintaining challenge and discovery, making them a versatile tool for immersive game design.