Part One: Questions to answer
What is a game?
Desert Bus. - “It is, without a doubt, the very worst video game I have ever played.”
Desert Bus review from iTunes:
This is hands down the best game to come from the iPhone. From the scenic desert you drive through to the many hazards that force you to get a tow truck this game has something for everyone. So far it's been THE best role playing experience I've ever had. When I play this game I really feel like an actual bus driver. Plus the value for money...I paid 99 cents and at a staggering 40+ hours I'm still nowhere close to finishing this amazing game. Infinity Blade has absolutely nothing on this game!!!Here's a video from our friends at Extra Credits about the question: "What is a game?"
Also check out Loneliness
What are social issue games?
Gamasutra link about social issue games.
Some examples of social issue games:
Sweatshop
Phone story
Spent
Darfur is Dying
McDonalds Game
What is a story?
Sub questions:
a) What are the key components needed for a good story?
Answers:
Place & Setting
Clarity
Character (interesting, contradictory)
Goals
Risk
Conflict (internal, other people, the world)
Action
Satisfying Resolution (surprising & inevitable)
b) What are the challenges in telling a story in an interactive format?
What is Shandification?
Part Two: What is Twine?
This is Twine.
Here are some Twine games to have a look at:
Player 2
Destroy/Wait
Horse Master
Queers in Love at the Endof the World
Star Court
Howling Dogs
Some other Twine games
Part Three: Analysis of Twine games
The first task for the afternoon is to perform an in-depth analysis of one (or more) of the Twine games linked above and be prepared to report back to the class. Consider the following questions:
- What happens in the game?
- What is the game about? (think about themes or questions)
- What worked well for you?
- What could have worked better?
The second task for he afternoon is to consider what social issue you would want to make your own game about. Try to come up with a basic theme and storyline. Do research.
Part Four: Feedback
Looking at your analysis of the Twine games and hearing your ideas for your own games.