Game Studies - Exercise 1 & 2

29/08/2023 - 29/011/2023 // Week 1 - Week 14
Hasnol Rafiq Bin Hasnol Raduan / 0356767
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's Design School

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Reflection: 

As a designer, my experience reviewing games like Skyrim and Risk has been invaluable in shaping the direction of our tabletop game project, "Elemental Odyssey." It has not only provided insight into the diverse aspects of playful experiences but have also inspired to think creatively and critically about our own game.

Skyrim, with its vast open world, rich lore, and player-driven narratives, highlighted the significance of immersion and player agency in crafting captivating gaming experiences. This reminded us of the importance of allowing players to feel like active participants in our tabletop game, providing them with choices and opportunities for exploration. Skyrim's replayability factor, encouraged us to consider how to create a game that remains engaging and fresh, even after multiple playthroughs.

On the other hand, the review of Risk, a classic strategy game, emphasized the value of depth and strategy in gameplay. It reminded us that a successful tabletop game relies on well-balanced mechanics, clear rules, and the potential for strategic thinking. Risk's transition to an online format showed us the importance of accessibility and convenience for players, which led us to contemplate how to make "Elemental Odyssey" accessible to a broad audience while retaining its strategic complexity.

These exercises helped our group ideate our tabletop game by sparking discussions about our game's core elements. We were inspired to create a rich lore and world-building aspect similar to Skyrim, allowing players to immerse themselves in a fantastical universe. We also aimed to strike a balance between depth and accessibility, taking cues from Risk to ensure that our game would be easy to grasp for newcomers while offering layers of strategy for seasoned players. Additionally, the exercises encouraged us to consider how to maintain replayability, ensuring that each playthrough of "Elemental Odyssey" would offer a unique and engaging experience.

In summary, reviewing games like Skyrim and Risk as both a designer/creator and a player has provided valuable lessons and inspiration for the development of "Elemental Odyssey." It has made us aware of the critical aspects of playful experiences, such as immersion, player agency, balance, accessibility, and replayability, all of which are fundamental in creating a tabletop game that will captivate and delight our future players.