GeoJourney: The Journey

For our final AP in Game changers,(A class about gaming and game design) we were asked to do something that sounded pretty simple, but in my case wasn't. We were told to make a final prototype for our game and create a slideshow and a video about it. I thought this was a very stressful project as we had just finished our other AP merely days before. I thought this would be simple, but I found that time was not on my side. I ran into lots of complications, and busy nights, which resulted in me not being able to do much at home. I thought the most challenging part of this project was the time restraints. I think the most rewarding part was to see my game looking beautiful and finished.

Elevator Pitch: In the game GeoJourney you are a world traveler traveling the world with your companions and testing your knowledge of different countries around the world collecting the country card, obtaining as many as you can along the way. You will encounter obstacles and advantages along the way. You will socialize with your fellow travelers through conversation cards.You win by having the most country cards at the end of the game.

My Reflection: Game Changers has been an amazing experience, I am so glad I took this class. Walking into this course, I knew virtually nothing about game design, it was something I've never studied or even though about studying until I got to GCE. I have always been a big fan of games, and I love art. When I was little I used to like to design and make up games, but I had kind of forgot I used to like to do that, I was definitely excited to be away from the Freshman class, and with a new teacher as well. I thought the design process would be a lot easier than it actually is. I brainstormed an idea for a game for a long time. I decided to go with a geography or travel theme, as I like to travel and I really love geography. I really wanted it to be a really strategic and competitive game, as those are my favorite to play. We got to our first round of playtesting which was a long process and a little tedious, but we all had out first prototypes. I would say I like playtesting. It can be nerve racking, but it is really nice to receive feedback on all your hard work. When the feedback is constructive criticism it definitely helps a lot, since you know know what to do better for your game. Feedback telling you you did great is nice to hear, but in my opinion, there is always something that can be done to make it better. In all, this class was great. I definitely loved playtesting, maybe not ChiTAG, but they were both important. Thank you to my wonderful teacher to make this possible, and I hope to do this again in the future.

Need a Game Recommendation?

In the class Game Changers,we learned all about tabletop games and game testing and design. I learned a lot about this topic. I knew nothing about games or game design when I walked into the class, but I now know all about games, game design, play testing, along with the math skills and art practice for designing out games. For our first Action Project, we were asked to make up a scenario in which a school or a local community service is in need of some games. We then had to make two game recommendations for their situation. To explain the game for them, we created game profiles for each game. The purpose of this assignment was to get us thinking critically about different games and to deeply analyze games that we thought would fit the scenario. I learned a lot about the games I researched a lot about the games as I don’t remember much about them even though they are really simple. and I thought that thinking up scenarios was pretty challenging. I overcame this challenge by brainstorming throughout a long period of time to let my thoughts sit. I am most proud of my original idea and my game recommendations.

Scenario: A pediatrician's Office is looking to purchase a game for their waiting room that kids can play with while they wait for their appointments. Requirements: They need a game that can:

• Be played quickly or repeated multiple times

• Can be played by a small number of people, approximately 1-4 players

• Can’t be too complex because kids might be nervous or distracted but 

• should take their mind off of their worries by being active.

• Should be appropriate for ages 3 - 6

• Needs to be durable.

• Any pieces should be easily replaceable or don’t ruin the game if they get lost.

• The games should be intuitive or quick to learn because they may not have much time waiting.

What I thought of:

• Ringo Flamingo
• Gone Fishin’
• Hungry Hungry Hippos *
• Hi Ho Cherry O
• Loopin Louie
• Rock Em Sock Em Robots
• Alfredo’s Food Fight
• Memory
• Don’t Break the Ice
• Operation
• Crocodile Dentist *
• Elefun

I had a lot of fun thinking up of these games as these were some of my favorite games from when I was a little kid. Out of all these games I thought the best games for the scenario were: Hungry, Hungry Hippos and Crocodile Dentist.

To show the pediatrician the games in detail, I typed up a game stat sheet for each of the games.

Crocodile Dentist

Hungry, Hungry Hippos

There are also strengths and weaknesses to each game Here is a comparison of the two:

Hungry, Hungry Hippos

• Can lose marbles
• Possible choking hazard
• More competitive/More complex and strategic

Crocodile Dentist

• May be scary for young children
• Suspenseful and fun
• No parts to lose or choke on\

Both

        + Active
        + Quick to learn, no complicated rules
        + Can play by yourself if needed
        + Durable
        + No batteries required
        + Quick to play one round
        + Can be played by a wide range of age
        - Isn’t entertaining for a long time

If I had to choose just one I would choose Crocodile Dentist because of its simplicity and fun. The fact that it doesn’t have any parts to get lost or any choking hazard makes it better suited to a pediatrician’s office.

James Shin (2011) roller coasters

        Web: Flickr