Before enrolling in CS 247G, my perspective on game design was incredibly limited and lacking. I’m not a huge video gamer so my perspective throughout this class was focused solely on the end product—creating something fun and engaging for other players. I understood the basics of game mechanics and player engagement but hadn’t deeply considered the narrative and thematic depth that could be integrated into game design.
Throughout the course, my experiences were rich and transformative. Engaging in hands-on projects and receiving feedback from both peers and instructors through play-tests helped refine my understanding of game design. I learned that it required more than just understanding the basics of game mechanics and player engagement to create a game that felt fun and enriching; indeed, integrating whole elements of narrative and thematic depth could also make the game engaging (a concept I integrated in my final project).
In addition to the concepts I mentioned above, several concepts from the class have stuck with me. The idea of “meaningful play,” where every game element has a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative, was particularly impactful. Additionally, the discussions around accessibility and inclusivity in game design opened my eyes to the broader implications and responsibilities of a game designer. I also especially loved the critical play on playing a game like a feminist.
I implemented key concepts outlined above into my game project, “Out of Office.” With my group, I focused on integrating a stronger narrative to enhance player engagement and developed puzzles that are not only challenging but also advance the story and relate to the overarching theme of uncovering corporate corruption. During this process, one of the main challenges I faced was balancing complexity and accessibility. Creating puzzles that were challenging yet not frustrating, and ensuring the storyline was compelling but not overwhelming, required numerous iterations and constant feedback.
Through this course, I learned the importance of iterative design and continuous testing, which helped refine my final game more effectively. Moving forward, it would be cool to further refine “Out of Office” and maybe even offer my little brother the chance to play the game when it’s more refined. In general, I am excited to take the design concepts I learned in this class and apply them in other areas of my life, especially as I finish out my CS major.
