D1 – Bellringer! Why should you be concerned with intellectual Property / IP as a game designer? Experience As a Game Designer

Overview: Goals for today: Review the importance of Intellectual Property Examine the process and reasons to create a prototype, especially with paper.

Prototypes: p. 68 What is a prototype? It’s a playable early version of a game. It isn’t perfect yet, but it allows people to get the feel of your game idea. It may end up getting changed or scrapped later, but it at least allows people a better view of the end product. Prototypes should meet 3 Main Goals: 1) They need to be Playable: People want to be able to see what the game experience is like. It doesn’t have to be complete, but it does need to be mostly fleshed out. 2) It is quick to make: Your final version of the game may be a lot nicer than your prototype. The point isn’t to have a perfect game, just one that is playable, and easily changed. 3) It is easy to change: Be ready to adapt it on the fly. That way you can use feedback well.

Brainstorm Activity Think about potential questions that a game designer should consider, and write them down on a card / paper. Next, open the textbook to p. 69, and compare your questions to those listed. Are they similar? Any of your unique? Explain!

Reminders - Options A, B & C: Review: Option A: Interview a Game Designer: I’ll have a few game designers that I have invited come and speak with our class, so you could accomplish this then. Dates remain TBD. Reflection about experience typed. Option B: Gaming Night Attendence & Reflection: I want you to go out and meet up with some of your fellow Gaming Nerds! Visit two events, and then type up a reflection about the experience! Option C: Commission an Artist: This one you can do with help from some artist students here at Merit (TBD), or with help from a friend or other artist you know. Reflection about experience due, typed.

D2 – Bellringer! Next you need to consider the importance of Testing Your Game. Two types: p. 77 and 80

Overview: Goals for today: Continue developing and getting feedback from and about your game. Examine the usage of a paper prototype to use in developing your game.

Paper Prototype (p. 70-73) No matter what your medium is for your final game, making a paper prototype is very useful. They aren’t too hard to make, and easy to change as needed. They work well for turn- based games, and Mr. Wright has many of the supplies ready to go for you, including: Paper Cards (square and rectangular) Blank D6 Dice Many other regular dice Construction paper, etc.

Game Mechanics Represented with Paper Prototypes: Game Parameters: Ex: health bars, power gauges, life points, etc. Playing Area: Can represent game area / board; cards can work well, and are less restrictive Chance: Often represented by card drawing or dice rolling Real-Time Gameplay: Make the game turn based to more easily show it, just to see what it looks like.

Reminders: Finish filling out the Paper Prototype Analysis handout for your game. The rest of the class time is yours. Review the assignments you have been given, and continue working on your Designer’s Notebook. You should have one mostly complete by the end of class today. Otherwise, continue brainstorming with other students!