Meaningful Play?

This past Thursday in my Game Design class, we participated in a classroom game with very simple objectives. We were split into teams of four and given a pack of bendable straws and a roll of scotch tape. Our goal was to create the highest possible structure that could stand on its on for at least three seconds, and the team that won the game would receive candy during next class.

It was a very fun experience, and this composition has to do with whether or not we experienced meaningful play through the game/exercise. Rules of Play basically defines meaningful play as the relationship between action and outcome which are both discernable and integrated into the overall context of the game. In the case of the Straw Tower game, I feel that we did in fact experience meaningful play, and I was amazed at how such a simple concept could create so many different variables into account.

From a basic overview of the game, it has many elements which created a unique experience. It required communication and almost necessitated that one or more individuals on each team to lead the others in the creation of the tower, either by demonstration or by explaining something as simple as how to easily fit two straws together. Time was also a factor, so it was almost essential to divide the work among different people, with each person completing a specific task.

Through the scope of meaningful play, action and outcome were obviously easily visible. Taping and connecting straws together showed an immediate physical result, and it was also integrated into the larger context of the game. The decisions made during the beginning of the game effected the end results. If the base for the tower is too big, you run out of straws. If the base is too small, you end up with a potentially beautiful tower that immediately falls on its side, thus disqualifying you and preventing your team from winning the game.

It's amazing how simple, yet at the same time complex, a game can be created with such few rules and materials. Next time you feel bored at home or have some friends over, throw straws at them and try your hand at this clever game!

Games, Games, Games . . .

Games and video games have always been very popular ways to pass time, learn, socialize, and even to just take a nice little break from reality. Today in America and around the world, there are huge subcultures revolving around video games with immense numbers of participants usually participating in playing together via the internet.

I have been brainstorming ideas for a semester long blog series on a certain aspect of games, board games, video games, and/or an aspect of the underlying industry. I have yet to decide on a thesis for this research and composition, but I do have several ideas I am currently taking into consideration.

My initial idea would be to research and examine the use of games in a business setting in which they are used as a tool to essentially train and inform an employee of the expectations and responsibilities of their position. I feel as though it may not be a juicy enough aspect of games to keep a fresh and entertaining blog series with such a narrow scope of such a large an interesting industry. The second idea that came to mind is to examine the use of games in order to teach real-time strategy in a way that could apply to real world scenarios, such as the use of video game training for the military and/or law enforcement. I believe this could be much more interesting, and my Uncle actually works at a private firm that works with the government on various homeland security and military strategies and scenarios. I feel he could be an excellent resource in informing me first hand as to just how useful games can be as a way of gaining a basis of background experience to possible upcoming real world experiences.

As of the time of writing this blog, I am leaning toward my second idea for this blog series, however, I will continue brainstorming in an effort to potentially find a more enticing topic.

My Darly, My Dear & Puddles for Emperor

I recently read two graphic novels which were created by two friends of mine, My Darling, My Dear by Joel Heslop and Puddles for Emperor by Ashley Hawkins. They were both a pleasure to read, Joel's graphic novel used photographs for illustrations while Ashley's used what appeared to be Ken Dolls (not certain).

My Darling, My Dear was put together very well, and was basically a sentimental type scrapbook which showcased the events prior to their engagement. It was great to see photographs for every frame, as it gave it a very polished overall look. I already knew some of the back story between them, as Joel and I have been friends for over four years now. There is a strong use of frame layouts which are used very appropriately to help tell the story of their blossoming love for each other. The only thing negative in my opinion is that there are two frames that somewhat break from the overall structure. The two I am referring to appear on page 10, they are cut out photographs with no backgrounds, so they seem to me to be a tad bit out of place. Overall though, super kudos to Joel Heslop for creating such a cool graphic novel/scrapbook to remember the events with him and Brandi!

When I saw the cover of Puddles for Emperor, I could not help but break out into hysterical laughter. Seeing the image of a Ken doll on the cover of what looks like a political campaign poster was amazing, to say the least. It is a very comical tale of an ex-frat boy running for Emperor as opposed to President of the United States simply because he believes that the President has become more of a figurehead with a tight lease and no real power. The use of color balance to show the two sides of the competition turned out to be very helpful in guiding the reader to which side of the political campaign was being depicted. Placing the dolls on top of photographic backgrounds created a very cool and interesting visual texture. The first frame on page 28 was the only image that I feel did not fit well, only because the people talking were not replaced with dolls, but other than that I think it's a great, and it is also very comical (pun) graphic novel. Kudos to Ashley!