Game Tuning Workshop Game Design and Tuning Workshop Party Game Elective Marc “MAHK” LeBlanc 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 MechanicsAestheticsDynamics

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