Before CS247G, I thought about games and play primarily as sources of entertainment and engagement, appreciating their creativity but not fully grasping the underlying design principles and thought processes behind them. My perception of game design was limited to basic mechanics, fun, and my leisure time filler, without a deep appreciation for the theories and methodologies that bring a game to life.
Throughout the course, I engaged in various in-class activities and 2 projects that broadened my perspective on games. One of the most impactful experiences was participating in the iterative design process for Project 1 where we built a board game. I experienced the full cycles of creating(we brainstormed for ideas), testing(did a bunch of playtesting), and refining(pivoted our game direction once, and made many adjustments) game prototypes. I learned to emphasize the importance of player feedback and the iterative nature of the game design process. I learned to view games not just as end products but as evolving entities shaped by continuous testing and player interaction.
Several class concepts stuck with me along this journey. One that impressed me the most was the idea of narrative arcs and loops. I learned how to effectively embed narrative within a game, transforming it into a rich storytelling experience. Through various class exercises, I discovered that games are not just about mechanics and gameplay but also about weaving compelling stories that engage players on a deeper level. Understanding narrative arcs and loops allowed me to see how story elements can be interwoven with game mechanics to create a seamless and immersive experience. For instance, I learned how to use narrative arcs to guide players through the game’s plot, creating emotional peaks and valleys that keep them engaged. Narrative loops, on the other hand, help reinforce key themes and ensure that players remain connected to the story throughout their gameplay experience.
I implemented these concepts into our group’s project by starting with a well-defined plot and then considering how the narrative and gameplay could work together to create an engaging experience. We gradually added puzzles and crafted environments that would enhance the story and immerse players in the game’s world. For instance, our group carefully designed dialogues that players would trigger when interacting with various NPCs. Each conversation revealed a part of the story and helped establish an unsettling tone, drawing players deeper into the narrative. We also created puzzles that connected different levels and spaces within the game, ensuring that each puzzle not only challenged players but also advanced the plot and enriched the overall narrative experience.
Some of our dialogues design
One of the significant challenges that I faced was managing the balance between creative freedom and structured design principles and limited technical resources. At times, adhering to player feedback felt restrictive, especially when it conflicted with our initial vision for the game. Additionally, dealing with diverse player feedback and integrating it into a cohesive design required adaptability. I grew in my ability to approach design methodically and embrace learning from players’ feedback. I became more adept at receiving and incorporating feedback, understanding that it is an essential part of the creative process. My ability to empathize with players and design experiences that resonate with them has significantly improved.
I Playtested a lot
Next time, I will further place even greater emphasis on player feedback and play testing. I aim to explore more innovative mechanics and narratives, and I’ll keep players’ aesthetics in mind. By continuing to apply the principles learned in CS 247G, I hope to create games that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and impactful, viewing them not just as fun, but as art.
