Paper Simulations of Digital Games

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Paper SimulationsofDigital Games

• Stone Librande
• Lead Designer, Spore Galactic Adventures
• EA/Maxis

(Please open in PowerPoint and refer to the note
field for information about each slide.)
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Take a digital game
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remove the controller
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remove the controller
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the sound and music
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the sound and music
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and the graphics
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and the graphics
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Whats left?
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Exercise 2

• Simulate a video game using only pencils, index
  cards and dice.

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Exercise 2

• Simulate a video game using only pencils, index
  cards and dice.
• Use it as a tool to help understand the games
  fundamental design principles.

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Exercise 2

• Simulate a video game using only pencils, index
  cards and dice.
• Use it as a tool to help understand the games
  fundamental design principles.
• Dont sweat the details.

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Example Game

• Tony Hawks Pro Skater

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Example Game

• Tony Hawks Pro Skater

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• Asteroids

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• Asteroids

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• Warcraft The Board Game

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Exercise

• Select a digital game
• Make a paper prototype
• What aesthetics survive the change in medium?

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Break Into Groups

• Select a digital game
• Write 3 ideas down on paper
• Mix your groups ideas together
• Lay them out, discuss

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Break Into Groups

• Select a digital game
• Write 3 ideas down on paper
• Mix your groups ideas together
• Lay them out, discuss
• Some Example Games
• Grand Theft Auto
• The Sims
• Command and Conquer
• Street Fighter

• Centipede
• Mario Brothers
• Prince of Persia
• Halo

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Break Into Groups

• Select a digital game
• Write 3 ideas down on paper
• Mix your groups ideas together
• Lay them out, discuss
• Break down its aesthetics
• Make sure you have something by 230

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Build a Paper Version
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Build a Paper Version

• What To Do
• Communicate the core design

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Build a Paper Version

• What To Do
• Communicate the core design
• What Not to Do
• Dont sweat the details

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Build a Paper Version

• What To Do
• Communicate the core design
• What Not to Do
• Dont sweat the details
• Dont try to duplicate the entire game

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Build a Paper Version

• What To Do
• Communicate the core design
• What Not to Do
• Dont sweat the details
• Dont try to duplicate the entire game
• Dont focus on simulating computer functions
  (math, AI, etc.)

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Build a Paper Version

• Try to have something playable quickly!
• Iterate!

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Discussion

• Lets share results.
• What aesthetics survived the translation?
• What didnt?

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Using Paper Prototypes
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Using Paper Prototypes

• Good for understanding existing games

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Good for understanding existing games
• Use these techniques for games in progress

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Good for understanding existing games
• Use these techniques for games in progress
• Process is quick and cheap

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Good for understanding existing games
• Use these techniques for games in progress
• Process is quick and cheap
• You dont need programmers or artists

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Cant replace actual gameplay testing

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Cant replace actual gameplay testing
• Can give you a head start and keep you focused

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Cant replace actual gameplay testing
• Can give you a head start and keep you focused
• Can give you a vocabulary to use when discussing
  your game

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Using Paper Prototypes

• Cant replace actual gameplay testing
• Can give you a head start and keep you focused
• Can give you a vocabulary to use when discussing
  your game
• Can be used as a tool to educate programmers.
  Have them play, too!