Game Studies / Project 1: Propose a tabletop game design (create a gameplay framework)

13.4.2023 - 4.5.2023 (Week 2 - Week 5)

Takuto Hozumi / 0354047 / Bachelor Of Design (Hons) In Creative Media

Games Studies

Project 1: Propose a tabletop game design (create a gameplay framework)

---

LECTURE

All lectures were completed in Exercises (Series of investigations).

---

INSTRUCTION

Project Outline

1. Project1: Propose a tabletop game design (create a gameplay framework)
2. Project2: Tabletop gameplay information and data
3. Final Project: Tabletop game

These three projects are continuing assignments. Throughout this module, students would work as a group on a project and complete a playful table game.

At this stage, students are required to begin synthesizing their own gameplay system which will be based on their investigations on digital and analogue games. They are to apply a concept based on their research about games and other existing studies. Students are to also suggest narratives and visual genres which would contribute to the overall unique selling proposition.

W2: Propose a tabletop game design (create a gameplay framework)

I was assigned to Group 5 with the following members;

• Brigita (Leader) - Indonesian Student from Design course
• Takuto - Japanese Student from Design course
• Honoka - Japanese Student from Design course
• Fadil - Indian Student from Design course
• Aaditya - Indian Student from Computer-science course

We discussed our opinions on the game we would make for this project at the MIRO board during this phase of the project.

Fig.1: Discussion Board in MIRO

We discussed existing games and came up with ideas for games, as each of us had researched during the individual exercise. The direction was decided on analog table games, genre ludology with emphasis on communication.

W3: Gathering gameplay information and data during playtime/homeplays Submission

There was no physical class on W3 and time was given to actually play the game for analysis. So, after researching nearby game cafes, we finally decided to visit "Boards & Brews".

Fig.2: The building where the game cafe is located

Boards & Brews (by TD)

5D, Nadayu 28 Dagang, Jalan PJS 11/7, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Facebook

The following two games were played in particular.

Fig.3: Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is based on card-drawing and is set on a map of Europe. The game is played by placing trains of your color on the map to score points. You can place as many trains as the number of cards, and the longer you connect them, the more score you can earn. Timing of when to place the trains is also important.

Fig.4: Ticket to Ride - Rule

Fig.5: Jamaica

Jamaica is a racing game that contains a battle feature, in which the player must navigate a predetermined course and reach a goal based on two randomizers. Even if you fail to reach the goal, you can also obtain more treasures to improve your ranking.

Fig.6: Jamaica - Setting

Fig.7: Jamaica - Rule

The game that more members of our group found interesting was Ticket to Ride. In this regard, I analyzed the following;

1. Basically, there are a controllable tactical element and an uncontrollable luck element in a board game. - Balance is the key.
2. But if the player has too many options to choose from, it is obnoxious. - The rule of Jamaica was too complicated.
3. Games with a strong element of luck can be enjoyed more for the surprise and story than for the game itself, whether you win or lose. - An advantage of Ludology.
4. For those of us who are competitive personalities, games with a strong element of luck are unpleasant. - We had one of these personalities in our group. This issue cannot be ignored.
5. If there are no revenge rules (like Joker), the initial move almost guarantees a loss to the worst player. - However, if the worst player can easily catch up to the top player, also make unreasonable feeling.

Based on elements from these games and other well-known games such as Snake and Ladder, we would plan to create our own game.

Fig.8: Game Design Idea

Fig.9: Background Story Idea

W4: Preparation for the Proposal Presentation

At this stage, I proposed draft game rules to the group based on what we had discussed. The following is the document I made.

Fig.10: Rule Draft 1

First, it was decided that the game would be a racing game based on Greek mythology as a background story. The element system and map are based on what was discussed in the group discussion. However, the rules regarding element compatibility were not clearly defined, so I added them. Also added the bridge system based on my analysis.

Fig.11: Rule Draft 2

After further group discussion, the ideas of other members were added to Draft 2, which is shown here. Based on this, I was assigned to be in charge of the game rules for the Proposal Presentation.

W5: Presentation and Crit session of gameplay ideas with rough framework

The W5 presentation was in the form of a recorded submission. We created slides in Canva and each of us infused narration into the slides we presented.

Fig.12: Proposal Slides (4/5/2023)

The following video is the proposal presentation that has been recorded.

Fig.13: Recorded Presentation (4/5/2023)

Continued to Project 2

---

REFLECTIONS

Among the many tasks, in Project 1 I created the root of the game rules. It was important to make the rules without contradictions, and I researched various existing games to make sure that the game would work as a game. From here, we will further brush up the game and aim to make it more playful in the next project.