game design, october 3rd, 2013

TODAY

1. Paper Prototyping and you2. Keys to the practice3. Practicing the Practice4. What to expect next week5. Homework

I gave you a wide range of readings on paper/physical prototyping to read over for today. I don’t want to dwell in them, but we’ll talk through the key points. I want to start, though, with my set of logics for prototyping and prototyping tips.

Why to Paper Prototype

1. It’s “usually” a lot easier than making a full-on digital

(or even pen/paper or tabletop) game.

2. It makes you think about the core mechanics and

rules.

3. If it’s not fun, you know you have a problem.

4. More than brainstorming, and more than writing the

game design document, the prototype stage spurs

innovation.

5. Working with your hands changes how you think; it helps you think in different

ways.

6. Thinking about how to simulate mechanics can help you simplify your

mechanics.

7. Changing a prototype is quick and easy.

8. It lets you “Brain dump,” which means you can quit

fearing that you’ll lose small details.

9. Just like having words on a page when writing, a

prototype means means your game ‘exists.’

10.The biggest reason: the prototype can be play-

tested (and your descriptions cannot).

So armed with thatI want us to do an activity to help you understand how paper prototypes work. I brought… PAPER! I was going to bring more supplies, but I discovered much to my horror that I have no supplies. I need to correct that. Hopefully you have scissors. And writin’ sticks.

We’re going to prototype.

The catch…

To practice today, I want you to paper prototype a game that exists. Your group can decide what game. Just make , that we’ve played this semester.

When you’re comfortable with your prototype, invite me over, and I will attempt to play it with your guidance.

For Tuesday

I’ve linked two chapters from the book Fundamentals of Game Design from the course website (on character and narrative). Please read them and be ready to talk more prototyping and development in class.

We’ll also talk about WoW, which we’re going to play next.