Aksel – Final Class Reflection – The Mechanics of Magic

Did I walk into Design for play thinking I would make a game about cow ranching and another about impending vines? No, I did not, but great things come in unexpected packages.

Before this class, I often would play games not just as a player but a designer, too. I mostly play RPGs which often rely on plot to engage the player. But, having played many over the years, I would pick up on how the usual turn-based battle system would be altered to make it more engaging like button timing (Legend of Dragoon, Final Fantasy VI, Mother 3), action gauges (Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IV-X), losing and gaining turns (Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga), or offering higher or lower attacks to target weaknesses (Xenosaga I-III). Alternatively I also noticed how in tactical RPGs movement issues would be resolved in different ways like allowing a character to throw another as an action (Disgaea). And now the notes I do take on games can come with terms that better explain why things work and do not work.

Truly making games was something I’ve long looked up to and wanted to do. My love for games began when, one Thanksgiving, my cousin took me aside and we played Earthbound together when I was 5 or so. Games are, unfortunately, not as readily known for their innovative and unique ways of engaging an audience like how movies or books are, but games bring together strangers, strengthen friendships, and have players do rather than just see or listen. I want to tell a story, too, and games are a beautiful way to do it. I had a made a few card games before but never a video game, which currently I most often play and am amazed by.

Even if there were struggles along the way, I can now say I’ve made a piece video game. It really is such an accomplishment, something I will take pride in. The same realization happened when I began making comics; I realized how much work it takes but also how fulfilling it feels to see a character you made come to life. I would work every day and night for a job like this because I find it to be my purpose in life to create. Video games especially utilize many forms of creation to build a new world for the player it invites.

I want to keep making games, and seeing all the different websites that support independent game creators most certainly motivates me. Something in me before class thought of game making as something you need a big team to do, but this was misguided idea. Even now, me and my friends plan to undertake making a video game together. What I’ve learned is that simply analyzing games like I have been is not the extent of what I can do currently: I can make games now, and I should think more about making games and not just how they are made!

I want to thank the teaching team who made this course and experience possible. Who knows, I might just come back considering all the other great game design classes you offer. Let’s see what fate determines.

Here is my digital gallery walk for this course! Enjoy!

Mooney Ranch