Checkpoint 1: Concept Doc IC

For all 3 of my ideas, as well as the mood board and soundtrack, I focused on themes of adventure, discovery, mystery, and suspense. The central theme is Stanford and its history. I most like the idea of creating made-up Stanford history to do with notable figures and artifacts around campus to create an engaging narrative that players get to discover for themselves through the gameplay.

Mood Board:

Soundtrack:

Three Possible Directions:

1. The Mystery of the Stanford Tree
   1. Premise: The Stanford Tree has mysteriously disappeared right before big game. Players are tasked with finding and returning the mascot in time for the big event.
   2. Types of fun:
      Competition – Players compete against each other to be the first to find the Tree.
      Fellowship – Players can also form teams to solve the mystery faster.
   3. Puzzle Ideas:
      Map Challenge: Provide a map of Stanford with cryptic markers indicating potential locations of the Tree.
      Anagram Riddles: Give players anagrams related to Stanford’s landmarks, traditions, or historical figures that need to be solved to receive/unlock the next clue.
      Tree Trivia: Create trivia questions about Stanford’s past and present Trees. Correct answers lead to the next clue. Could also make things up…?
2. The Disappearing Inventions
   1. Premise: Prototypes have started disappearing from the school of engineering. Players have to find out who’s behind these thefts and recover the missing prototypes.
   2. Types of fun:
      Discovery – Unfolding the story behind the thefts and the prototypes.
      Challenge – Solving complex puzzles to get closer to the thief and the missing prototypes.
   3. Puzzle Ideas:
      Science Trivia: Trivia questions about Stanford’s inventions and innovators will lead players to the next clue.
      Lab Evidence: Players have to analyze various pieces of evidence left in the labs to find the next clue.
      Virtual Lab Tours: Navigating through virtual lab tours to spot differences or anomalies can reveal the next clue. (potential digital component)
3. The Secret Stanford Society
   1. Premise: Rumors of a secret society have swirled around Stanford for years. Now, cryptic symbols have started appearing all around campus. Players must decipher these symbols and uncover the truth about this secret society.
   2. Types of fun:
      Exploration – Players investigate different areas of the university, discovering new locations and their (made-up) history that is linked to the society.
      Mystery – The thrill of uncovering the secrets behind the society and its notable members (persis, MTL, etc).
   3. Puzzle Ideas:
      Symbol Decoding: Players must decode mysterious symbols to discover clues about the society.
      Hidden Object Challenge: Players must find certain objects hidden around the virtual campus, each linked to the secret society, to reveal the next clue. QR codes?