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Us vs. It. Tanks vs. Robot. Cooperative “ Boss Fight ” Tank players must destroy the Robot before it reaches the city limits. Robot is controlled by “ AI ” rules. The Robot. Has 10 Hit Points Actions: Compute: Place target disc on board Move: 1 space towards target
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Tanks vs. Robot • Cooperative “Boss Fight” • Tank players must destroy the Robot before it reaches the city limits. • Robot is controlled by “AI” rules.
The Robot • Has 10 Hit Points • Actions: • Compute: Place target disc on board • Move: 1 space towards target • Laser Eye: Shoots straight forward • Crush: Attack 5 adjacent spaces • Self Destruct: Inflicts blast damage when destroyed.
The Tanks • Have 4 hit points • Each Turn: • Shoot, Move, Move, Shoot • Move: 1 space (not diagonal) • Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage.
Battle! • Set up the game board. • Tanks go first: • When tank finishes, robot moves: • Execute steps in order • Robot stops after step 10 • Alternate Robot and Tanks until one side wins.
Tank Rules Reminder • Each Turn: • Shoot, Move, Move, Shoot • Move: 1 space (not diagonal) • Can pass through other tanks, but not stop there. • Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage. • Can shoot over other tanks. Play until 3:10
Your Mission: • Program the robot to maximize drama. • What does that mean?
Your Mission: • Program the robot to maximize drama. • What does that mean? • Inevitability • Uncertainty • Dramatic Arc
Programming the Robot You can specify: • Laser Damage • Fist Damage • Target priorities • Sequence of Actions • Move Push/Block/Push Damage
Iterate Towards Drama • Fail faster! • Try to get in many iterations • Play complete games • Archive your iterations Work until 4:00
5 Minute Break • Stretch your legs • Back here at 4:05
Add a new feature • Attack • Weapon • Rule • Don’t ruin the drama. • Don’t change the tanks! • Fail Fast! Have an alpha version by 4:30
Beta Test at 4:55 • Write your beta version down on the submission sheet. • Make sure your robot has a name!
Drama in Us vs. It • Uncertainty • Behavioral Complexity • Inevitability: • March towards Goal • Decreasing Hitpoints
Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty?
Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty? • Randomness • Hidden Information • Skill challenges • Negative Feedback • Escalation • Etc…
Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability?
Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability? • Time Limit • Pace monster • Non-renewable resource • Non-reversible process
Discussion When does the climax occur?
Discussion What is the role of the Self Destruct mechanic?
The Message • “Dramatic” does not mean “Scripted” • Drama emerges from game dynamics • Inevitability • Uncertainty • Building to a climax • Embedded vs. Emergent Narrative
Robot battle! • Let’s watch some robots fight each other!