Homework 14: State

Homework 14
Assigned Oct. 29, 2013
Due: Nov. 7, 2013

As discussed in class, objects have actions, and transitions lead from one action to another. After reading the section in Chapter 10 that relates to States, construct two state diagrams related to your game, create an image describing the actions and transitions (similar to the way it was done for the game Pacman), and describe each of your diagrams. These descriptions must relate to your team's game. Do these individually (do not copy from each other).

This homework is individual, not team-based, although it is based on your game.

Homework 13, 2013

Homework 2013

Each team will have a chance to show their game off to the class. This will occur for the first time on Nov. 5 and Nov. 7, 2013. Expect critique from both me and the class.

Homework 12: Task assignments

Homework 12: Task assignments.
Assigned: October 17, 2013
Due: October 24, 2013

I would like each member of each team to put in his/her blog what they plan to do between today and one week from now on their team. This is to ensure smooth functioning of the team and that everybody contributes. The assignments should be specific and have a deliverable. Please do this by the weekend. Next Thursday, I will check that the assignments have been accomplished. We will do this every week between now and the end of class.

Not satisfying the assignment given decreases your grade at the end of this class.

Homework 11, Chapter 15 and 16

Homework 11: Story and Indirect Control
Assigned: Tue. Oct. 15, 2013
Due: Tue. Oct. 22, 2013

Please read chapters 15 (One kind of experience is the story), and 16 (Story and game structures are artfully merged with indirect control). Answer the following questions (the homework is individual):

Yes/no answers are not valid. One must expand somewhat on each answer.

Chapter 15

1. A goal with no obstacles is not worth pursuing. 
2. What is the relationship between the main character and the goal? Why does the character care about it? 
3. What are the obstacles between the character and the goal? 
4. Do the obstacles gradually increase in difficulty? If yes, how? 
5. Great stories often involve the protagonist transforming to overcome the obstacle. Does your protagonist transform? 
6. How is the game world simpler than the real world? 
7. What kind of transcendent power do you give to the player? 
8. What is the weirdest element in the game story? 
9. How do you ensure that the weirdest thing does not confuse or alienate the player? 
10. Will the players be interested in the game story? Why? 

Chapter 16

1. In what sense does the player have freedom of action? Does the player "feel" free at these times? 
2. What are the constraints imposed on the players? Do they feel constrained? 
3. Ideally, what would you like your players to do (lens #72)
4. Can you set constraints to "kind of" force the player to do it? 
5. Can you design your interface to "force" the player to do what you (the designer) wish him/her to do? 

Oct. 8, 2013: Update your game document

No graded homework for next Tuesday. However, I expect your game documents to all be updated with the latest information regarding your game. Your game document must include:

- Experience
- Objective
- Rules, mechanics
- Characters
- Story
- Objects + actions
- any puzzles and their solutions
- pictures of all elements of your game and snapshots of your game.

Of course, you might not have all these elements yet, but your game document should be updated.

Homework 10: team homework

Homework 10: game presentation
Assigned: Thur. Oct. 3, 2013
Presentations: Thur. Oct. 10, 2013

Each team will give a 10 min presentation of their game, using the web, powerpoint, etc.
You must describe the objective, experience, ideas behind it and show a few snapshots. Do not use Blender. Maximum number of slides: 10.

Students who are absent next Thursday will get a grade of zero, unless there is a written justification for the absence, and the student's contribution to the presentation is stated.

Homework 9: Balance

Homework 9
Assigned: October 1, 2013
Due: October 8, 2013

For this homework, you will lead the chapter on Balance, pp. 171-205. In this chapter, the author discusses 12 different types of balance.

Assignment:
In your blog, write up 1-2 pages that discusses balance and how it relates to your game. Consider all 12 types of balance. Some will apply, some will not. Provide examples within your game.

This homework is individual.

I will  grade your homework taking into account the degree to which you analyzed this chapter and transposed the concepts to the team game.