by Robert Perry

Game DevelopmentCategories

Game DevelopmentCategories

Game Development Categories is a local multiplayer game designed to help users identify various subjects and topics included in the pre-production phase of game development. At least two players are required for the game, although three or more players is recommended. The game consist of multiple 60 second rounds where players identify related topics.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for Game Development Categories is users who have viewed the pre-production phase of game development training module or users who have played the concept Plan Ahead. The concept is also geared towards anyone interested in creating their own concept or simply learning more about the pre-production phase of game development.

Expected Learning Outcome

The expected learning outcome of the game is to gain a better understanding of the three sections of the pre-production phase of game development. The users will be able to identify various subjects and topics that relate to the game design document, level layouts and game prototypes.

Game Pieces

• Category Cards• Answer Sheets• Hourglass (or other

timing device)• Writing device (pen,

pencil, marker, etc.)

How to Play

To begin the game, each player will be given an answer sheet and a writing device. A new answer sheet will be needed for each player at the beginning of each round.

How to Play

At the beginning of each round, a category card will be chosen at random. The category card will relate to one of the three phases in the pre-production of games – game design document, level layouts or prototyping.

How to Play

In each round, the players will have 60 seconds to identify as many topics as possible that relate to the category card that was chosen at random.

How to Play

For example, if a Prototype card is chosen at random, with the subject matter of “Methods of Prototype”, the players will have to list as many methods of prototyping as possible within 60 seconds.

How to PlayAfter the 60 second round, the answers given on each card will be shared with the other players. Each correct response will result in 2 points gained by the player. Each incorrect response will result in a one point deduction from the player’s score. If a player feels that an incorrect response is valid, they will have a chance to plead their case to the other players or provide references to prove the validity of their answer. If an incorrect response is overturned, the player will be rewarded three points for that answer.

The game will continue, choosing a new subject at random for each round, until a player reaches 50 points. Another point total can be specified as the target goal, as long as the entire group agrees to the change in the rules. The player that reaches the points goal first will be deemed the winner. If two players pass the points limit with the same amount of points, a sudden death round will begin. The player who scores the most points will be deemed the winner. If the players score the same amount of points, they will enter another sudden death round.

How to Play

Sample Gameplay

A category card will be chosen at the beginning of the round. In this case, the category is game design document. The subject matter for the game design document is the game overview section.

Sample Gameplay

The players will be given 60 seconds to come up with as many correct answers for the subject as possible.

Sample GameplayAfter the 60 second round, the players’ answers will be shared with the rest of the group. Each correct response will count as 2 points. Incorrect responses will deduct 1 point. Overturned responses will be rewarded 3 points. In this case, the answers of game concept, genre, target audience and gameflow summary were deemed correct. Look and feel was initially deemed incorrect, but the player was able to provide references to its validity, which gave the player an additional 3 points.

Sample Gameplay

With 4 correct answers and one overturned incorrect answer, the player was awarded 11 points.

Breakdown:

4 correct answers X 2 points = 8 points

1 overturned answer X 3 points = 3 points

8 points + 3 points = 11 points