Game Design Project 2: Design a Game


Summary: you will design a game as part of a group, then write about it individually.

Due: Mopnday Dec 6th/Tuesday Dec 7th at the start of class. (this will overlap the last programming project)

credit where credit is due: This project was inspired by a blog post by Richard Bartle (of Bartle types fame)

Project:

In class you will be divided into groups. Each group will be given a set of supplies. You and your group need to take those supplies and make a game out of them. You can add one peice of paper and whatever you want to draw on it to the items you are supplied.  You do not have to use all of the items supplied, but you do need to use at least some of the items and possibly a sheet of paper as your only components. If your group uses a sheet of paper you must turn it in so I can have it when I am reading your reports.


In class develop a game as part of your group. Each of you should write the rules of the game down for your use later including how the items I supplied you are used. Don't create a crazy complex game. You have about an hour to get this going.

Play the game with your group.

The writeup:

After class, each of you individually must write a paper (the usual rules apply: proper grammar, spelling etc Remember, your goal is Business English, if you struggle, have it proofread). The paper must include:
  1. The rules of your game
    1. for extra credit grade include a "skin" a premise that will make it interesting
    2. describe how the items you were supplied with work in the game
  2. Analyze your  game describe how its systems work. Include at least the following.
    1. what are the resources?
    2. what are the objects and their properties and behaviors?
    3. What is the conflict in your game? How is it resolved?
    4. What sort of information structure do players have in the game? (open vs closed)
    5. what are the player interaction patterns?
    6. what are the system dynamics of your game? did anything unexpected happen? (recall the discussion about emergent behavior in games eg: the ultima online ecosystem)
    7. Grads only: propose how you would put this into an electronic format and discussion which venue it belongs in and why?
The paper should be about 3-4 pages of analysis (up to 5 for grads) and whatever more you need for the rules of your game.

Print the paper and bring it to class on the due date.