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An '''act structure''' is when a game is divided into distinct acts, parts, chapters, episodes or otherwise called parts with a designated start and stop. In some games the whole game is one '''act''', thus making it a one act structure. Other games have more acts, that are defined by a start and an end, with an '''act brake''' between the acts. Usually the drama of a game is focused on different themes in different acts, or just an accelerating drama with a climax and a resolution in the last act following a classic formula dramatic arc. The act brakes may or may not include a [[Time Jump|time jump]].<br>

The act structure of a game is either visible and utilized as a technique in conjunction with the players or it is a technique used by the organizers to decide when organizer controlled events are supposed to happen. <br>

In a visible act structure organizers can focus on different themes or have different rules to create a dramatic shift in the game between acts. For instance, you can have a rule about conflict resolution that varies over time: <br>
Act one, everyone backs down, no weapons are to be fired. <br>
Act two, conflict might be resolved in that someone gets hurt. <br>
Act three, conflict might get resolved by people dying. <br>

The themes of a game can progress in a similar fashion. An example is from [[Just a Little Lovin']]: <br>
Act one, Desire. <br>
Act two, Fear of death. <br>
Act three, Friendship. <br>

 
[[Category:Concepts]]
 [[Category:Techniques]]