Game Design

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 WHAT IS A GAME?

When first trying to read the papers about 'Games' I found it extremely hard as I felt there was so much information. But after reading it a few times and making helpful notes I found the papers to be quite interesting.

From my reading of the paper  What is a game Anyway? , I found it extremely interesting after reading it a few times. What I have discovered is that when playing a game usually the 'players' main objective is win the game. 

I also discovered that when playing any game that there is certain components that make up the game. For example:

Rules: Every game you ever play has guidelines to follow by in order to play the game.

Resources: Every game you need some sort of object eg.basketball, monopoly board, remote, to make the game playable, if you didn't have these resources you wouldn't be able to play the game.

Actions: Each game has certain actions that each player must do in order to participate the game eg. kicking the ball - football.

Story: There needs to be some plot or instructions on how to play said game, whether you're playing a video game or a physical game you need a story line to complete the game.

I also learned that all 'games' have 'Critical Vocabulary'

In simple terms - 'gaming lingo/jargen'

I mean it makes sense but you don't realise how simple or important certain components of a game can really be. 

  • Having 'vocab' gives us a means to talk about the 'game'.
  • When you understand the 'lingo' it makes it much easier to play or understand the 'game'.
Games definition in my opinion:
  • 'An activity played by yourself or with others that give a sense of fulfilment'
  • Games can be an effortless hobby just for fun :)

Actual definitions of a game:
- A 'game' has a 'ends' and 'means' - objective, set of rules  and an outcome.
- Games are voluntary effort.

Different types of games:

  • Puzzles
  • Role Play
  • Chose your own adventure
  • Stories
  • Play( usually a children's expression)

From my reading of  The organic nature of game ideation I realised that brainstorming is a large factor in creating a game.
  • Ideas usually come from other games - without copying the game but just taking parts and making it your own.
  • It is an organic process that takes a lot of time and effort.
Idea Starting Point:
  • Good ideas are only 'good ideas' if they can withstand the production phase.
  • Ideas also don't just come from nowhere inspiration can be found from anywhere.
Overall I found the first paper much more interesting than the second. I am really looking forward to this module this semester, when reading through the articles it gave me a sense of hope that I don't have to have an idea straight away before jumping into the 'gaming world'.

I found by jotting down notes from the article it gave me a better understanding of the meaning of 'ideas' and 'creation' in terms of 'games'.

Also when looking for more opinions on the ideas of 'gaming' I found this Youtube Video that was funny but made a lot of sense when explaining peoples outlook on 'What is a game'
CLICK LINK BELOW TO WATCH:


Thanks for reading 

- Mia x

Comments

  1. nadine17 October 2020 at 16:23

    Hi Mia! I can definitely relate to how you found the papers difficult to understand at first. Each paper was quite packed with information, especially the second one but well done on trying to understand them nonetheless. You summarised them quite well, although you could have elaborated a little more on the second paper! You did well though and good luck on future readings!!

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  2. Adam Finn22 October 2020 at 12:14

    Hi Mia! Haha I agree the academic style papers can be hard to read and break down at first but I find that using Microsoft Word to read the paper to me as I follow along is a big help. That being said, I think you've broken down the paper in a great way. Your blog is easy to follow and discern information from!

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  3. Eamon25 October 2020 at 07:28

    Hi Mia, I too had the same problem with reading these academic style papers. They were definitely a hand full to read and understand what is actually going on. I like your idea of taking notes while reading the papers, to keep the talking points fresh for when writing your blog. I should probably do the same haha. Anyways, well done on summarising these papers. It was very easy to read and understand your blog post.

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  4. Andy Alsafi25 October 2020 at 16:48

    Hi Mia, Reading your blog on game design and the idea of a game gave me an insight on stuff I did not pay that much attention to, like the concept of a game and all the different compotents required to design a game. Brainstorming is great when designing a game, a lot of games are similar but its not because developers copy one another but is because they are inspired by each others ideas, therefore they turn the idea into a unique concept of their own. Good knowledge shown towards game design, well done!

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  5. Justin U22 November 2020 at 14:10

    Hi Mia,

    Your blog about the articles revolving around game design were very comprehensive and easy to understand which also shows that you understand what you're talking about. I also found the articles kind of hard to understand at first but the more I read them more I kind of get what they're talking about. It was a great read!

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