Things to consider when developing a game idea By Mark Jones

GENRE

Genre Definition: French for… TYPE Classification of genre is based on what? o The Make up? o Theme? Can a graphical Theme define a genre? o Structure? Can the structure of a game contribute to its genre? o Game Mechanics? Defines the types of challenges (Kevin Oxley says “The mechanics define the types of challenges involved within a game….also how a player interacts and controls the challenges. I believe it is the challenges that define the genre and sub-genre of any game. o In groups make a list of game Genre without using the internet.

What does Kevin Oxley mean? In simple terms, if you bought a chocolate cake, you would expect chocolate in it! Kevin is saying that each genre has components and attributes that you would expect to be included. Your target audience expect it as well!

Core Genre Sports Adventure Action Simulation Strategy Puzzle Role-play Management Education(‘serious’) Viral marketing Kevin Oxley, Gameplay and Design, pg 25

Sports Components? o Competition o Performance Challenges o Quick reflexes

Adventure Components o Puzzle solving challenges o Thought required by player o Interactive story revealed as challenges are overcome o Multi-threaded plot o Journey from one location to another o A central protagonist

Action Components o Action o Quick reflex o Little thought process required o Pick up and play o Does not have a steep learning curve

Simulation Simulator – a machine that simulates the controls and conditions of a real vehicles (Concise Oxford Dictionary 10 th Edition) Components o Real Physics o Real Vehicles o Steep learning Curve!

Puzzle Challenge to user Requires solving Discombobulate player Must have some form of difficulty Not big now – problem incorporated in to other genres

Management Components o Some form of construction (house, city, theme park) o Economic and social elements o Challenge – to make your world thrive

Educational Components o To Educate o Learning process o Allows for progress o Track learning and feedback

Marketing (Viral) Components o Casual game o Addiction – short term, enough to make someone tell someone else! o Will advertise something o

Not forgetting… ( …a well worthy mention!)

RPG Components o Character Creation o Character Evolution o Character class, attributes and skills o Inventory management o Melee o Quests o Interactive story o Adventure

Real Time Strategy Components o Harvesting Resources o Building a community (generally a home base or bases) o Spawning units with varying capabilities o Strategic attacks o Destroying the opponent

Classroom Activity Puzzle Role-play Management Education(‘serious’) Viral marketing Sports Adventure Action Simulation Strategy You will be allocated a Genre. Create a poster that explains the genre you’ve been allotted and it to your tutor. Use images and the components suggested by Kevin Oxley presentation. Add your name and the course title to the poster.