Game Design and Tuning Workshop Party Game Elective

Game Design and Tuning Workshop Party Game Elective Marc “MAHK” Le. Blanc GDC 2004 Game Tuning Workshop

What You’ll be Doing • Design § Consider constraints § Declare aesthetic goals § Design a game (in groups) • Test § Play your game § Analyze your game • Tune § Revise your game Game Tuning Workshop

The MDA Framework Mechanics Dynamics Game Tuning Workshop Aesthetics

MDA Terms • Mechanics: The rules and concepts that formally specify the game-as-system. • Dynamics: The run-time behavior of the game -as-system. • Aesthetics: The desirable emotional responses evoked by the game dynamics. Game Tuning Workshop

Eight Kinds of "Fun" 1. Sensation 5. Fellowship Game as sensepleasure Game as social framework 2. Fantasy 6. Discovery Game as make-believe 3. Narrative Game as uncharted territory 7. Expression Game as drama Game as self-discovery 4. Challenge Game as obstacle course 8. Submission Game as pastime Game Tuning Workshop

Party Constraints • What constraints are you operating under? Game Tuning Workshop

Some Constraints • • Lots of party goers Standing room only Limited attention span Food in hand People arriving late Alcohol Limited resources § Cocktail napkins, ballpoint pens Game Tuning Workshop

Considerations • Should the game involve everyone at the party or only those people interested in playing? • What is the ideal complexity level for a party game? • Structure: When are rules explained? How long do people play? Can people play intermittently? When does the game end? • Interface: Materials? Access to rules? Scoring? Game Tuning Workshop

Aesthetic Goals 1. Sensation 5. Fellowship Game as sensepleasure Game as social framework 2. Fantasy 6. Discovery Game as make-believe 3. Narrative Game as uncharted territory 7. Expression Game as drama Game as self-discovery 4. Challenge Game as obstacle course 8. Submission Game as pastime Game Tuning Workshop