procedural-checklists mechanic sourced
Procedural checklists
Operating simulated equipment requires performing ordered steps on modeled controls that mirror real procedures, with system states gating each step.
definition
Equipment is modeled as interacting subsystems (electrical, fuel, hydraulic, engines, avionics) whose states are changed through individually operable controls. A procedure is an ordered sequence of control actions with preconditions on subsystem state; doing steps out of order produces the physical result of that order, such as a failed engine start, rather than an error message. DCS World models aircraft from real-world data, with clickable cockpit switches and subsystems such as engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulics, and radios, and the U.S. Air Force's 355th Training Squadron uses it as an A-10C instrument and weapons-systems trainer. Microsoft Flight Simulator offers interactive checklists with optional copilot assistance. Inputs: control manipulations. Outputs: subsystem states and operational readiness.
player experience
Mastery through ritual. Players study manuals, practice startup sequences until they are reflexive, and feel competence when a complex machine comes alive under their hands. Mistakes teach how the systems connect.
design levers
- number of modeled subsystems and controls
- strictness: whether wrong orders fail realistically or are forgiven
- assists such as auto-start, checklist overlays, or copilot automation
- manual and tutorial depth
- failure injection during procedures
failure modes
- Long procedures before any action exclude newcomers unless an auto-start or assisted mode is offered.
- When the underlying systems are not simulated, steps become arbitrary button sequences.
- Missing feedback leaves players unable to tell which step went wrong.
dynamics
- Communities share checklists, tutorials, and training videos, and some organize realistic group operations.
- Injected failures turn memorized procedures into troubleshooting.
- Assists create a ladder from casual to study-level play inside one product.
open questions
- Can a voice-driven AI instructor or crew member coach procedures adaptively from the live subsystem state?
- Can procedure models be extracted from real manuals automatically to cut the cost of new equipment?