Before this class, my understanding of game design was primarily limited to creating entertaining experiences. To me, the biggest takeaway is to fully grasp the potential of game mechanics to communicate values and ideas beyond entertainment. Back to the first question we discussed in class – what distinguishes a game from a serious game? – the mechanics is the message!
At the beginning of the class, I engaged in various activities that broadened my perspective on game design. Deconstructing games using the Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics framework helped me understand the interplay between game mechanics and player experience. It also allows me to apply this framework, creating and refining game mechanics through iterative playtesting.
My first game is about creating a competitive card game, “Assault on Arrillaga,” on teaching nutrition. It was a key application of these learnings. Through this project, I learned to design mechanics that communicate the importance of balanced meals while ensuring an engaging player experience. The iterative design process, including playtesting and refinement, was instrumental in achieving the desired learning outcomes.
Developing “Two Truths One Lie,” an interactive fiction game about confirmation bias, deepened my understanding of narrative’s role in shaping emotional impact. Crafting branching narratives that subtly guide players toward different interpretations highlighted the potential of game mechanics to communicate complex psychological phenomena.
The exploration of system dynamics was particularly insightful. Creating a game about the “enshittification” of online platforms allowed me to model and analyze complex systems, considering factors like user engagement, ad frequency, and revenue generation. This project highlighted the importance of understanding feedback loops and balancing relationships within a game system to achieve the desired player experience.
The opportunity to improve a learning game by focusing on aesthetics was invaluable. The “Fish Reproduction” project allowed me to explore the visual and tactile elements of game design, crafting game boards, pieces, and packaging that enhanced the learning experience. This project emphasized the importance of visual communication and aesthetics in creating an engaging and immersive game environment.
I also learned the importance of values in game design. Discussions and readings (especially Values at Play reading) highlighted how values are embedded in every aspect of a game. This awareness instilled in me a sense of responsibility to consider the values I promote through my design choices. VaP reading also emphasized the importance of ethical and inclusive design, encouraging me to create games that are both entertaining and socially responsible.
In the future, I will prioritize mechanics that communicate values, embrace playcentric design, conduct thorough value discovery, and strive for ethical and inclusive design. I will carefully design game mechanics that align with the values and messages I want to convey, incorporating playtesting early and often in the design process. I will systematically identify and define the values embedded in my game design choices, considering the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. I will also be mindful of the ethical and social implications of my design decisions, promoting inclusivity and avoiding harmful stereotypes.
This class has not only equipped me with practical game design skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of games to effect positive change. I am excited to apply these learnings to my future game design endeavors, creating games that are both entertaining and impactful.
