1. Gear Brawl:
Robots, Rumbles, and
Morality
A Thesis analyzing Moral Choices in games, done by Bryce Williams
2. Thesis Issue
“What‟s the exact problem?”
Games as a whole (digital games more of
note in this generation) have constantly
struggled with implementing a true attempt
or feeling that the player has a choice in the
outcome of his character, primarily through
decisions in his „life‟. This has ranged from
alright implementations in RPGs and analog
board games, to much more lackluster
attempts. Thus the question itself is: can
morality itself be implemented well in
games, as well as be a worthwhile mechanic?
3. Personal Thoughts
“Why do you care about this?”
I tend to think about various aspects of games a lot, usually dealing with either
how players view certain mechanics or developments in them, and how that reacts
to the general view or society around it; be it sales, customer response, or future
developer support. I feel that, among the many issues digital games struggle with
as a growing medium, this one is extremely notable and I feel I should at least
bring it to light, if not try to tend to it in my own way. I also feel that using an
out-of-reach, but still relatable setting still gives the player some understanding of
the surroundings, and focus more on the meaning behind the game actions.
Robots, automatons, and the like have always been an interesting thing to me
since I was little – not just cause of the way they look, but because of the social
situations their mere existence bring up. Examples would be the political intrigue
of the Gundam series, or I, Robot. I really would love to bring these topics into a
game setting, and see how they could be used to make a game progress.
4. Personal Thoughts Pt. 2
“Why should I care about this?”
Game analyzation doesn‟t really happen much – it‟s usually only done by
people who are already making games or interested in game development. I‟d
love for this to be a game for someone to replay multiple times, gunning for a
different „thought process‟ or idea, and getting different reactions and
endgames.
As we get closer to an age where digital products and androids/robots
become a larger part of our lives, we should start building a better idea how
they should be used, the pros and cons behind their implementations into
society, and if they would even help us in the long run. I hope for this game to
be a fun take on that, while still tackling the topic on for people to jump into
and think about.
5. Personal Thoughts Pt. 3
“How will this solve things?”
Analog games are, objectively, not as commonly seen in the public eye as
digital games, but are far better a method to talk about social mechanics and
concepts. It gives the player to interact with the people around him in a much
more interesting fashion than playing online would.
Robots are currently only seen as either being pets or servants – is there any
possible use or implementation for them in society, that we haven‟t thought
of yet merely cause we haven‟t had a reason to? Is there a right or wrong use
to using a robot for your own needs?
Primary reason: The game, while primarily being fun and easy to jump into, is
helpful in getting the thought juices flowing on automation use in the near-
future, as well as use of morality in games (and to robots).
6. The Project
Demographic – 14 to 18, interested in futuristic settings/concepts
A Card Game/Card + Board Game involving robots and morality. The aim is to
win a tournament you have been requested to enter – which involves building
a robot of your own from scratch. The method and means are yours to decide.
Basic card playing – each player goes around the table taking turns.
Two main Phases – Build and Battle Phase
Build Phase involves finding parts to build your robot with, as well as situations
that change your alignment with the world around you, and your access to places
Battle Phase is the tournament itself, where you fight 3 other robots (the people
playing against you) for supremacy.
7. Precedents
Technical Precedents
Analog Games – Arabian
Nights, Dominion, Neuroshima Hex
Cards Against Humanity (in distribution)
Visual Precedents
Robot Combat Games – Virtual On, Armored
Warriors, Danball Senki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRje9MVEZf
E/
Animation – Gigator, Gundam, Macross
Customization, Models also a big influence
8. Narrative/Game Progression
In the near-future, androids are slowly becoming more common place, but many
still question their use. You have recently been given a large amount of money
from a mysterious benefactor to enter a robot tournament. The robot you build
and how you get the parts for it is up to you.
Gameplay Progress: Pick Pieces from various locations > Trade/Steal/Use them to
do a turn in that situation > Combine Parts to make Robo-Parts to make a robot >
Fight in Tournament and Win
Situations incite the morality aspect of the game – You can choose 3 different
reactions to a situation, each raising your Good Side/Bad Side of your Alignment
Bar (Amount is set, which side is voted by the opposing 3 players), which opens up
different Situations you can get into (which changes what kind of parts you may
find)
Turn Progression (Possibly)
Build Phase: Draw Cards, Situation, Combine
Battle Phase: Effect, Move, Attack/Defend
9. Visual Map
Color denotes thought process over
the last few weeks
Concept of game started with what
I wanted to make, then led off to
what I could say with it
From there, narrowed down to
what I wanted to say, and how that
could change the existing
mechanics
10. Card Example and Explanation
Two Major Types of cards – Pieces and Robo-
Parts (Robo-Part Card shown)
Pieces are what you find everywhere – junk,
parts in store, among others
Pieces combined make up Robo-parts (A Tire and
a Chain can become a Mace)
Robo-Parts combine to make Robots, which you
then fight with
11. Production Ideas/Process
Focus on Card Game only for the moment – Board Game would be nice, but
requires a lot more focus on board movement “balance” as well as designing
how it looks on top of the cards
Card Game could work in multiple locations as well, even if it might involve having
2 decks for it, which is much less than optimal
Distribution – while very far off – would be to have a free print-out version
online, and a properly produced card (or board) game version for printout
Robo-parts tied to actual plastic pieces, so players can build a small robot
character (Lego-like)
