Genre Study #1 - Non Virtual Interaction Focused Games
[This post goes with game #6 which is a (not very good) attempt at making a non virtual interaction game]
Challenge: Design a game focused on the interactions between players
Why do I want to make this kind of game?
The games that I enjoy playing most with other players are ones that grow the bond between us
Games that people love to share do well because they’re easily advertised through word-of-mouth
Games as a medium are about interactions between players and either systems or other players
There aren’t enough (any?) games that focus on bonding two people
This type of game has the potential to attract non-gamers to the medium
What types of games inspire me?
Anything by Game Oven (Fingle, Bounden, Friendstrap)
The Shakedown
J.S. Joust
Why are those games successful?
Experience focused: These game's systems are focused on allowing/forcing meaningful interactions between players
Inclusionary: These games allow non-gamers to easily and meaningfully participate without prior experience
Subversive: These games standout from other games by doing things differently
Performance: Playing the game is a kind of active performance where trying hard and doing well can be appreciated by more than you and the game
What kind of game will mine be?
Presents situations in which players will interact directly while learning more about each other
Performance aspect where you and the other player are competing and judging each other’s performance?
Is free and not limited by technology or prior experience as a gamer
Has few instructions so new players can easily pickup and play
Non-traditional in format so it will stand out from other games
What do I want players to feel?
Happiness and loving feelings that come from bonding with another person
Thoughtful and nostalgic about current/past relationships and childhood