D1 – Bellringer! Your Game Might Include: As you consider an idea for your game (the final project for this class), consider the following ideas (from p. 57): Your Game Might Include: Taking a player on a story of adventure / discovery Using a specific game mechanic, like a dice roll, auction, etc. Simulate another activity / event; examples: managing a railroad company in the 1800s, or fighting as a soldier in the Roman Empire, etc. Follow another well-established game form, but with a new twist / story (RPG, racing game, etc.) Explore a specific theme / setting (exploring the Amazon jungle; being an appliance repairperson, etc.) Using a specific technology (motion sensor, a drone, etc.)

Introduction: After you’ve figured out your idea, you’ll be creating a “designer’s notebook”. Find something that works for you; it could be a small notepad, or a binder, and then we’ll start with an introduction. Vision Statement: How would you describe your game, in a sentence or two? This may change over time, so be flexible (but don’t wander too far off topic…) Limitations: There will be limitations on the game, depending on the equipment used, medium, etc. Components for example for a board game could be expensive, so figure out what will be affordable (or if not, perhaps a limited edition collector’s version, etc.) Timeline: You will have the rest of the term to finish this product, so don’t forget to set reasonable goals to finish in time.

Brainstorming: As you continue planning and creating your game, brainstorming can be a very useful tool. You can do this alone, or with others, and you just sit down, and either think or talk about your ideas for the game. Consider different ways to accomplish the same task, and if you would like them to be an option in your game. Write down everything! Don’t worry too much about the details (yet); just write it down, along with the date, so that you don’t forget it! THIS IS IMPORTANT. Why? It allows your brain to consider other things, and yet you still have it tucked away for when you again need to sit down and think about your game. Brainstorm Activity:

Brainstorming: What to do: We need some volunteers: students that have some ideas for a game (or several ideas). Once we pick one of you, you will start describing what idea(s) you’ve considered for your final project in this class. The rest of the students will have one of 6 unique roles: Logic; Optimism; Devil’s Advocate; Emotion; Creativity; Management Mr. Wright will act as the scribe for the discussion

Six Thinking Hats This particular tool was invented by Edward de Bono, a psychologist, author, and consultant who pioneered the technique in his 1985 book Six Thinking Hats. The method involves breaking down ideas into six areas of thought : Logic; Optimism; Devil’s Advocate; Emotion; Creativity; Management When approaching a new problem or project, have each member of your team put on one of these different "hats" for the discussion. Each "hat" represents a unique set of priorities and perspectives that will help focus your discussion and consider the project from a wide variety of angles. For example, if you're wearing the "Devil's Advocate" hat, it's your job to consider the game's limitations and challenges. It may feel uncomfortable at first to temporarily adopt a very narrow form of thinking, but the extremes can help teams fully explore a project or idea.

Repeat! Do this one more time, but this time, I’d like you to do it in 2 different groups, with one person pitching their idea(s) to their group (not the same person as before). After that, you can play some other games for ideas…good luck!