Week 2 – The Play Narrative

Question Set 1

1. What Mechanics would you like to use for a game with a theme that revolves around being the size of a nanometer?
   • I would like to implement some kind of mechanic revolving around fighting viruses, being that the character is the size of a nanometer. If you would lose the fight of the virus, then the body you are fighting in would get sick and die. Succeed in killing off the virus, and you keep the body healthy, winning the game.
2. Who are you making games for?
   • Obsidian entertainment, since they made a game already about being really small.
3. Who will be your play testers outside of class?
   • Any hardcore computer gamer, since the game I’d make would most likely be a neat video game. People would have to have some sense of understanding on computer gaming.

Question Set 2

1. Can you think of a game you were able to play without referring to the rules?
   • Minecraft – it is a game that does not have a strict set of rules and can be played hundreds of different ways. The only “rules” of Minecraft are the mechanics and understandings of the game, which eventually get so well known that I don’t even have to refer to the rules.
2. How do you define what a game is?
   • Is it an interactive experience including mechanics, objectives and a theme(s)? Does this playable experience have a story?
3. What features can make your games more intuitive?
   • Keeping the design and concepts of the game consistent, but simple. Make it easy to learn but fun to play. Additionally, letting the controls be easily accessible, maybe even with a configuration system to let players adapt to the controls.

Question Set 3

1. What was your gateway game? What do you play to introduce others to gaming?
   • My gateway game that introduced people to boardgames was always CandyLand. If anyone were to ask what boardgame I would play or what is my favorite, it has always been CandyLand. I feel that CandyLand is simple enough for anyone to understand and get into games.
2. What features to gateway games share?
   • Simple ruleset, theme, interactivity, luck, replay value, and duration.
3. What are the 10 beautiful mechanics and what should you aim for with your own?
   • Noblesse Oblige, Heat, Set-Making, Card Tapping, Cow Tipping Rule, Popping, Hand Order Rule, Paddlewheels, Communication Breakdown, and Constant Shuffling. You should aim for trying out/implementing some of these in your own game design to make the overall experience more enjoyable.
4. How does luck and strategy factor into game play?
   • Luck is a choice beyond your control. It’s a fork in the road that could be good or bad. Strategy is the act of making plans and decisions during the game which gives limited information.

5 Game ideas that can be played using cards

1. Card drawing – A player drops a card down and two other players try to doodle the card with a timer. The more detailed drawing or better drawing wins.
2. Card sherif – Two players deal 5 cards and stand at a distance, throwing cards at each other. If you get hit you lose a life, but if you use all 5 cards without defeating your opponent you lose.
3. Card Tower race – First person to build a card tower wins (any size tower)
4. Card Guesser – A person draws a card and has 5 hints to give the other player as to what the card could be.
5. Fibonacci roulette – Draw cards that add up via Fibonacci sequence until you are able to get the best card in the deck (ace). Color can shape doesn’t matter. Trade duplicates with the other player.

Dix it game review

1. Was it fun?
   • Yes, the game was very fun and interesting in its own way. It combines art and theme to win.
2. What was the interaction?
   • All players put down a card that they think best embodies the theme announced by the chosen player. All players must then choose out of all cards which is best fitting for the theme.
3. How long did it take to play?
   • The game wasn’t too long, and it wasn’t too short. The estimated playing time took about 15 minutes, but time flew by.
4. Would you play again?
   • Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the playing experience, and I’d be willing to play with personal friends.