Roll and write project (individual)

Goal: Quickly create a game to learn about prototyping and playtesting. Do not expect this game to be the best game ever. That takes iteration, which will be discussed later in class.

Tip #1: Choose a theme. If stuck, roll a die (1d6) with the following values:

1. sports
2. fantasy
3. nature, animals, or monsters
4. outlaws, pirates, or spies
5. outer space or aliens
6. city or home

Tip #2: Choose a randomizer. If stuck, roll a die (1d6) with the following values:

1. dice
2. polyominoes
3. tiles
4. pull something from bag
5. spinners
6. cards

Prototype

Goal: Create a playable roll-and-write (sometimes called flip-and-fill) prototype to test with fellow students. This prototype requires:

1. A random generator (see tip #2 above)
2. Players must somehow use the result of the random generator.
3. A way for players to individually record their results.
4. Ability to work for 3-5 players.

Possible resources:

• Shippboard Games: Mechanics roundup - Roll & write
• Boardgamegeek: roll-and-write, flip and write, bingo
• Geeklists: Roll and write games, Free Roll and write games
• Juegos Roll & Write
• Anatomy of perfect roll-and-write game
• Roll and write Global Jam 2018
• Teachers pay teachers

Submission

Bring materials to play your game to class on the due date. This includes enough player sheets for your group members +1 or +2 extra (just in case).

Playtest in class

Goal: Test your game and receive feedback.

On the due date, designers will be running the playtest in small groups during class. Some notes:

• Playtests will only have about 30 minutes total for playtesting, Fun Surveys, and other feedback.
• Rules do not need to be given to the players. Designers will teach the game.
• Designers, make sure to take notes and get feedback for the playtest journal (see below).

Playtest journal

Goal: Summarize your playtest experiences by discussing the successes and failures of the prototype design.

1. Game summary 4 XP
   Rules used, player sheets and other components; pictures are fine as long as everything is readable
2. Fun Survey 4 XP
   Discuss results for two Fun Survey questions. Please include numeric data (e.g., "3 of the 4 people said …") and what you would do about it.
3. Two game lenses 4 XP
   Please list all the questions from two game design lenses and answer them using information from the playtest and Fun Surveys. Recommended lenses:
   • Essential experience
   • Curiosity
   • Goals
   • Meaningful choices
   • Interest curve
   • The Obstacle
   • Visible progress
   • Weirdest thing

Submission

Submit a PDF to Canvas by the due date.

Note: Merge PDF can be used if you want to make a single PDF.

Scoring guide

Students earn XP based on clarity and completeness of their responses. 12 XP

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