Games Studies - Project 1: Tabletop Game Proposal
29 Aug 2023 - 26 Sept 2023 (Week 1 - Week 5)
After consulting with Ms. Anis during the week 4 class, we made amendments to
the gameplay and then finalized them, incorporating rough sketches. In addition
to this, we prepared presentation slides and recorded a presentation video for
the game, as requested. Below are the outline for this project submission:
Proposal Pitch Content:
29 Aug 2023 - 26 Sept 2023 (Week 1 - Week 5)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Interactive Design // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's
University
INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions
MIB
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src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1241J_V8BHjU25TnyE-pLfuWQzwbW7rRx/preview"
width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Project 1: Tabletop Game Proposal (Ideation)
Given the following three analytical points, we are required to brainstorm
ideas and overcome obstacles in order to come up with our own tabletop game.
- Game equation: Pick three references from variety of categories and build an equation and try to derive a game concept from that.
- Playful experiences: The emotions to create and the connection players to the game itself.
- Link to everyday life: Allow players to find it intriguing by relating to players' everyday life.
Week 1 | Ideation
For this week, team members were tasked with brainstorming ideas and creating a preliminary blueprint or ideation for these ideas. In total, we generated four ideas, each accompanied by a brief description, rules, and a gaming experience designed to resonate with players' daily experiences and more.
Week 2 | Idea Development
After presenting all four of the ideas, it was suggested that we focus on developing the following two ideas further by refining their descriptions and gameplay rules:
For this week, team members were tasked with brainstorming ideas and creating a preliminary blueprint or ideation for these ideas. In total, we generated four ideas, each accompanied by a brief description, rules, and a gaming experience designed to resonate with players' daily experiences and more.
Figure 1.1 - Ideation, Week 1 (03 Sept 2023)
Week 2 | Idea Development
After presenting all four of the ideas, it was suggested that we focus on developing the following two ideas further by refining their descriptions and gameplay rules:
- Idea #2 - Jenga + Scrabble + Monopoly Deal
- Idea #6 - Monopoly, Snake and Ladder
Figure 1.2 - Idea Development, Week 2 (10 Sept 2023)
Week 3 | Play Week
As the weekly title suggests, our assignment was to visit a Board Game Center
and participate in tabletop games for both enjoyment and exploration. We played
several games (such as Scrabble, Geistes Blitz, Avalon) and had a great
time throughout the day. By the conclusion of our visit, we reached a decision
to choose
Idea #2 - Jenga + Scrabble + Monopoly Deal
as our preferred concept. We felt that this idea would be more manageable to
create a prototype for within the limited time available.
|
| Figure 1.3 - Scrabble Game, Week 3 (12 Sept 2023) |
Week 4 | Finalised Idea
- Game title
- Brief description of the game
- What playful experiences are you aiming for?
- Gameplay rules and basic instructions
- References of existing game
- Rough sketches of board, assets
This module turned out to be quite enjoyable, especially when compared to
other modules I've taken in the past. Initially, I struggled with the task
of creating a game, even though we were allowed to reference or combine the
gameplay rules of two to three tabletop games. My limited knowledge of board
games, which mostly included Snakes and Ladders and Monopoly, made the
ideation process somewhat daunting. I didn't want my team members to think I
wasn't contributing to the module.
However, as I was taking a shower, ideas started to come to mind. While the basic gaming concepts were rooted in Monopoly and Snakes and Ladders, incorporating real-life scenarios added a playful dimension to the game. I'm grateful that my team members paid full attention during the proposal, and their support, along with Ms. Anis's approval to further develop Idea #6, boosted my confidence and satisfaction with my contributions.
Geistesblitz is enjoyable for a small group, but it may not be color-blind friendly due to issues distinguishing red from green. Nonetheless, we had a great time. Players had to decide whether to include or exclude elements shown on the cards, adding tension to the game. It felt a bit like playing 'Snap,' where players compete to pick an object first. According to the rules, we should have returned a card if we chose the wrong item, but we got so engrossed in the game that we ended up playing our way.
In my Avalon experience, players need to fully immerse themselves in their roles. The 'good' team members must collaborate without knowing each other's identities, while the 'hostile' camp knows each other but must pretend otherwise. I observed that 'hostile' players either subtly guide one of their own to gain the trust of the 'good' team or actively engage in conversations by casting suspicion on everyone. This behavior often suggests that players have no specific point of view and may be seen as helping the 'good' team analyze the situation. This game demands strong communication skills, persuasion abilities, and the capacity to defend oneself if others start suspecting their actions. Overall, this game has certain limits related to gaslighting, so it's essential to choose your playing companions carefully to avoid straining friendships.
Free Monopoly Title Deed Card Template - Download in PDF, Illustrator, PSD, SVG. (n.d.). Template.net.
- Brief description of the game
- What playful experiences are you aiming for?
- Gameplay rules and basic instructions
- References of existing game
- Rough sketches of board, assets
Figure 1.4 - Finalised Proposal - HEAPED, Week 4 (24 Sept 2023)
Final Submission
Figure 1.5 - Project 1: Tabletop Game Proposal - SLIDES, Week 5 (26 Sept 2023)
Video 1 - Recorded Presentation, Week 5 (26 Sept 2023)
Feedback
Week 2
The ideas and concepts are interesting and have the potential for
further elaboration.
Idea #1: Snakes & Ladders + Flappy Bird
- What the obstacles are? Are they penalties/challenges?
Idea #2: Jenga + Scrabble
- Think about how to balance the letters (number of Jenga blocks & Scrabble letter tiles)
- May include 2 letters at both ends of a Jenga block
Idea #6: Monopoly + Snakes & Ladders
- Create a story/narrative
- Further develop the roles (e.g. farmers, merchants, rich people, etc.) including their strengths, benefits, weaknesses, etc
Week 3
Play week. No feedback was provided.
Week 4
- Remain the Jenga mechanics of putting the blocks back onto the tower after taking off the blocks
- Players may have to write down the letters they want to use on their board
- Players can decide which letter to use on the first block after getting the second block
- Minimum 4 letters and maximum 6 letters to form a word
Reflection
However, as I was taking a shower, ideas started to come to mind. While the basic gaming concepts were rooted in Monopoly and Snakes and Ladders, incorporating real-life scenarios added a playful dimension to the game. I'm grateful that my team members paid full attention during the proposal, and their support, along with Ms. Anis's approval to further develop Idea #6, boosted my confidence and satisfaction with my contributions.
Week 3 - Game Play Reflection
Most of us were new to Scrabble, making it challenging to start the
game. Since English isn't our native language, forming words with each
other's letters posed difficulties. Still, we managed to use most of the
letters, leaving only 5-6 unused. While our game might not have been as
lively as others, with less laughter and shouting, the atmosphere was
intense. We had to prevent others from placing letters where we wanted and
brainstorm possible words based on the board and our tiles. This game
requires a robust English vocabulary and strategic word construction,
considering the limited letters available.Geistesblitz is enjoyable for a small group, but it may not be color-blind friendly due to issues distinguishing red from green. Nonetheless, we had a great time. Players had to decide whether to include or exclude elements shown on the cards, adding tension to the game. It felt a bit like playing 'Snap,' where players compete to pick an object first. According to the rules, we should have returned a card if we chose the wrong item, but we got so engrossed in the game that we ended up playing our way.
In my Avalon experience, players need to fully immerse themselves in their roles. The 'good' team members must collaborate without knowing each other's identities, while the 'hostile' camp knows each other but must pretend otherwise. I observed that 'hostile' players either subtly guide one of their own to gain the trust of the 'good' team or actively engage in conversations by casting suspicion on everyone. This behavior often suggests that players have no specific point of view and may be seen as helping the 'good' team analyze the situation. This game demands strong communication skills, persuasion abilities, and the capacity to defend oneself if others start suspecting their actions. Overall, this game has certain limits related to gaslighting, so it's essential to choose your playing companions carefully to avoid straining friendships.
Sketch References:
Flamiano, M. (n.d.). How to Play Scrabble: Word Game Rules (Plus Easy Tricks!). wikiHow.
Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Scrabble
Free Monopoly Title Deed Card Template - Download in PDF, Illustrator, PSD, SVG. (n.d.). Template.net.
Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.template.net/editable/106648/monopoly-title-deed-card
Smith, L., & Robelia, D. (n.d.). How to Play Jenga: Simple Game Rules and Strategies. wikiHow.
Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Jenga
Quick Links
Project 2:
Play-Test
Project 3: Tabletop Game Design
