Paper Simulations of Digital Games

Paper SimulationsofDigital Games Stone Librande Lead Designer, Spore Galactic Adventures EA/Maxis (Please open in PowerPoint and refer to the note field for information about each slide.)

Take a digital game…

…remove the controller…

…the sound and music…

…and the graphics

What’s left?

Exercise #2 • Simulate a video game using only pencils, index cards and dice.

Exercise #2 • Simulate a video game using only pencils, index cards and dice. • Use it as a tool to help understand the game’s fundamental design principles.

Exercise #2 • Simulate a video game using only pencils, index cards and dice. • Use it as a tool to help understand the game’s fundamental design principles. • Don’t sweat the details.

Example Game • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

Asteroids

Warcraft: The Board Game

Exercise • Select a digital game • Make a paper prototype • What aesthetics survive the change in medium?

Break Into Groups • Select a digital game • Write 3 ideas down on paper • Mix your group’s ideas together • Lay them out, discuss

Break Into Groups • Select a digital game • Write 3 ideas down on paper • Mix your group’s ideas together • Lay them out, discuss • Some Example Games: • Grand Theft Auto • The Sims • Command and Conquer • Street Fighter • Centipede • Mario Brothers • Prince of Persia • Halo

Break Into Groups • Select a digital game • Write 3 ideas down on paper • Mix your group’s ideas together • Lay them out, discuss • Break down its aesthetics Make sure you have something by 2:30

Build a Paper Version

Build a Paper Version • What To Do • Communicate the core design

Build a Paper Version • What To Do • Communicate the core design • What Not to Do • Don’t sweat the details

Build a Paper Version • What To Do • Communicate the core design • What Not to Do • Don’t sweat the details • Don’t try to duplicate the entire game

Build a Paper Version • What To Do • Communicate the core design • What Not to Do • Don’t sweat the details • Don’t try to duplicate the entire game • Don’t focus on simulating computer functions (math, AI, etc.)

Build a Paper Version Try to have something playable quickly! Iterate!

Discussion Let’s share results. • What aesthetics survived the translation? • What didn’t?

Using Paper Prototypes

Using Paper Prototypes • Good for understanding existing games

Using Paper Prototypes • Good for understanding existing games • Use these techniques for games in progress

Using Paper Prototypes • Good for understanding existing games • Use these techniques for games in progress • Process is quick and cheap

Using Paper Prototypes • Good for understanding existing games • Use these techniques for games in progress • Process is quick and cheap • You don’t need programmers or artists

Using Paper Prototypes • Can’t replace actual gameplay testing

Using Paper Prototypes • Can’t replace actual gameplay testing • Can give you a head start and keep you focused

Using Paper Prototypes • Can’t replace actual gameplay testing • Can give you a head start and keep you focused • Can give you a vocabulary to use when discussing your game

Using Paper Prototypes • Can’t replace actual gameplay testing • Can give you a head start and keep you focused • Can give you a vocabulary to use when discussing your game • Can be used as a tool to educate programmers. Have them play, too!

Paper Simulations of Digital Games