Cargo Cult Game Development Or How to Make

Cargo Cult Game Development (Or, How to Make a Game Nobody Loves) Ichiro Lambe Dejobaan Games, LLC

Cargo Cult: A cargo cult is any of a group of religious movements that occurred in Melanesia, in the Southwestern Pacific. The Cargo Cults believe that manufactured western goods ('cargo') have been created by ancestral spirits and intended for Melanesian people.

What the player does in the game and what a game is "about“ are two different things. Aesthetics and back story are often used as a veneer, but it's easy to knit them closely with our game mechanics to good effect.

Katamari Damacy/We Love Katamari

Katamari Damacy is about. . . • Delightful Images • Destruction • Revenge!

It’s fun to destroy. . . Anthills A house of cards Cars Cities Well-ordered Societies?

Top 5 Revenge Films 5. War of the Roses 4. 9 to 5 3. Carrie 2. Max 1. Kill Bill Everyone loves watching an underdog get even.

The Sims 2 Singles: Flirt up Your Life

Aesthetics and back story are often used as a veneer, but we need to knit them closely with our game mechanics to good effect. (And it’s easy. )

Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space

Cyber Corps (1993 -94)

Kill Doctor Lucky

“Sorry, you’re stuck in space now. ” “Esmeralda has snuck aboard your ship and sabotaged your nebula drive!”

Knowing What Your Game is Really About + Supporting Elements Tie into Rules = No Cargo Cult Game Development