Game Craft Chronicles

  Gamestorming is not as easy as it seems (at least in my opinion). Coming up with some rough ideas was easy enough, I was able to get a few ideas written down. Turning those ideas into a usable game narrative is what got me. Looking back, I think one issue was that most of my ideas are more focused on the game mechanics instead of the story.  The path that eventually led me to the winning idea went like this: I knew that if I was going to use Twine, the best option would be to model my game after a choose your own adventure game. I then thought about what I wanted my learning objective to be. I have always wanted to come up with games that could double as tools that provide real life skills. I did some research and found the subject of Social Emotional Learning through which I learned that many people (adults and children) struggle with social interactions. Now that I knew what skills I wanted to teach and the type of game I wanted to make, I just needed to put the puzzle pie...

       As a "mentor game" to help guide me through the learning process, I  chose to play Portal, a game created by Valve in 2007. In my opinion, this game is targeted towards a male audience, however, I think any gender, any age, and any skill level could enjoy this game. Valve recognized this and made an effort to target an ever wider audience with Portal 2. Portal (and Portal 2) is a problem solving puzzle game that also explores subjects such as math and physics. When the game starts, you find yourself (playing from the perspective of a character named Chell) in a room. You soon learn that you are in Aperture Labs, will be part of a series of tests, and are let out of the room to start the first test. As you go through each test, you are guided by an AI called GLaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System). Each test involves a puzzle-like scenario where you must figure out how to use portals to escape the room. This is a single player game and aside fr...

       I consider myself someone who really enjoys games but does not usually have time to play, so I was really excited to find out that we would get to play some games for class! Choosing 2 mentor games out of the 8 offered was difficult but I ultimately decided to choose the two that I have seen around the gaming space for years but never had a chance to try; Portal and Papers, Please.  In Portal, you play as, Chell, while you go through various puzzle-like challenges in a building known as Aperture Laboratories. Your main tool for navigating each puzzle is a portal gun that can be used to jump from place to place as you are guided by an AI called GLaDOS (genetic lifeform and disk operating system.  Part of what drew me to this game was its cult-like following. I have heard about it for years (the game came out in 2007) and only hear good things. I also love a good puzzle game! This game definitely aligns with my gamer motivation profile as it contains g...