Before embarking on this class, the world of game design seemed like an intricate maze, filled with complex decisions and inaccessible knowledge. I held reservations about joining the class, contemplating dropping it due to my lack of coding background, fearing it would hinder my ability to create meaningful games and experiences. However, throughout this journey, I have gained a profound understanding of the multifaceted aspects of game design, from its formal elements to the different types of fun it can evoke. Moreover, I have witnessed its potential to forge friendships and influence behavior.
One of the concepts that deeply resonated with me was the ethics of game design. It became evident that each design choice carries immense power, capable of either fostering positive experiences or causing harm. I integrated this awareness into my own work, taking the time to reflect on games and critically evaluate their potential implications. This newfound perspective allowed me to approach game design with a heightened sense of responsibility, seeking to create experiences that not only entertain but also uplift and inspire players.
Looking back, I am astounded by the sheer magnitude of what I have learned throughout this course. However, it would be important to acknowledge the challenges that accompanied this growth. Balancing the demands of this class with other commitments required difficult decisions, often forcing me to choose between sleep and dedicating more time to my projects. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the choices I made, as they pushed me to overcome obstacles and expand my capabilities in ways I never thought possible.
Above all, this journey has cultivated within me a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of games that exist today. As someone not well-versed in gaming, particularly video games, I now find myself eagerly awaiting sales on various games on Steam. The exposure to different games and the ability to critique them has opened up a whole new world of exploration and evaluation within each game I encounter. In a way, it feels that any game I would play from now on, would have another evaluation game inside it 😉
Moving forward, I am eager to delve into the digital aspects of game design. As a physical product designer and a PRL CA, I have grown comfortable creating tangible artifacts. However, I am now motivated to challenge myself and explore new digital mediums that may lie outside my comfort zone.
The journey of game design has shattered my initial reservations and illuminated the vast possibilities that lie within this world. I have gained a profound appreciation for the dedication and love poured into games, and developed a critical eye for evaluating their diverse elements, and I hope that I’ll be able to add beautiful and meaningful things to this world.
Last but not least, it would not be possible to reflect on the class without expressing gratitude to the teaching team. The CAs are really WORKING FOR THEIR MONEY. It is amazing to me how each and every one of them is completely capable of delivering rich information in a very interesting way, the feedback and insights we have gotten have never not been meaningful. Learning from them made me want to be a better CA personally. The passion and dedication were evident in every interaction, and I am thankful to have had the chance to learn from them.
