This document provides an introduction to game design. It discusses games as forms of interaction, social tools, education, and art/social commentary. It outlines different types of games such as board games, role-playing games, mobile games, and digital games. The key components of games are discussed as concepts/stories, rules, mechanics, systems, and win states. Game design is described as an iterative process involving concept development, prototyping, testing, refining based on feedback, and repeating. The document concludes with background on the instructor and questions for students.

1. Designing
G A M E S ! Parsons Summer 2010 Game Design
Simeon Poulin
Day One - Introduction

2. Why Games
• Games as...
- Interaction
- Social Tool
- Education
- Art/Social Commentary
- ...FUN!
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3. What Kinds of Games?
• Analog (Board/Card Games)
• Table-top (Role Playing Games)
• Locative Games (Mobile)
• Digital
- Level Design
- 2D Platform
- Casual
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4. What makes a game?
• Concept/Story
• Rules
• Mechanic
• System
• Win State
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5. How are they Designed?
• Concept
• Prototype
• Test
• Refine
• Repeat...
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6. Concept
• What is your game about?
• What is the story?
• Who is the audience?
• Informs the play
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7. Prototype
• Build it!
• Make it lo-fi
• Do not spend too much time on this
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8. Test
• Put it in front of people
• Let them play it - do NOT tell them how!
• Watch them
• Ask them questions
• Take Notes
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9. Refine
• Take feedback from your play-testers
and use it to improve the game.
- Do your instructions work?
- Is it fun?
- Did anyone win?
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10. Repeat
• Iterative Design
- Continue to refine
- Different testers
- Remain open to feedback
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11. About Me
• Interactive Designer
• Graphic Design Background
• Advertising/Marketing
• Games as Narrative
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12. About You
• Favorite Game
- Why?
• Least Favorite Game
- Why?
• What do you want to learn?
• Digital or Analog?
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13. Questions?
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