2CaT: A Framework for Applied Game Design

I was rummaging through my files and came across this outdated paper that I never published and thought I would place it HERE. This represents one my earliest attempts to create a what I now call the 2CaT (content, context and transfer) model which forms an important part of my Applied Game Design scope model. I have used this method since 2006 to good effect in the design and development of both entertainment and serious games.

Download: Hrehovcsik M 2010_An Applied Game Design Framework- Prioritizing Game Design in Serious Game Development 

Quick Concept Format: A Method for Developing Game Concepts

I use this method along with other ideation methods (i.e. brainstorming). Why do I use it?

• It’s better suited for iteration.
• It’s focused on creating a game concept, not a bunch of loose random ideas for features.
• It lets the individual take time to germinate game concepts.

    The first part of this method believes that the concept process should be iterative. While many sources talk about iterative approaches to design and development, I believe this should be an universal approach—  from ideation-to-design-to-tuning of a game. Having a method that allows participants to create quick game concepts by using a template, provides an easy way to keep track of concepts and facilitates an iterative process.

    Ideation if not focused correctly can develop concepts but leave the important questions that lead to a design unanswered. For that reason the this method focuses on the creation game concepts, not just a bunch of loose ideas for features. Too often, concepts are chosen that are too vague, which result in a series of brainstorms, design sessions, meetings and pitches. Generally, the concept is then reinvented, during a pseudo design-ideation period, which translate into a waste of time and loss of focus.

    Most brainstorming methods focus on fast-group-procreation of concepts, this method encourages slow-individual-germination of game concepts. Allowing people to have time to let ideas “sink in” and “pop-up” is essential to this method. The goal of the method is to allow individuals to collect ideas and guide them towards a game concept.

You can access the Quick Concept Format worksheet here.

How to use:

1. Give your concept a working title. 
2. Use the QCF to write a few sentences per category about your game concept. (Note: It is okay if you can't fill it all in, maybe someone else will help provide that part of the concept or you can barrow from someone else's concept.) 
3. Allow participants to take this home over one night or even a few days. 
4. Allow participants to present their concepts. 
5. Follow this up with selection of a game concept or a new round of brainstorming sessions.

The QCF is the result of four years of iterations on a concept that uses a framework to communicate elements of a game and its design. Up to now it has been used during the development of three serious games and several workshops. I recommend this method in combination with worksheets, emails, forums, wikis, blogs, concept documentation, and mind maps.

    The QCF is also an excellent tool for aiding designers in structuring discussions about design. This helps to avoid situations where you as a designer here something like, “ I don’t like zombies”. The QCF helps to determine what this objection is really about. Is it just the theme? Is it how most game progress during a zombie game? Is it in relation to the core mechanics? Is some subjective association the person has with zombie games in general? Is it a issue with how your technology handles the concept behind zombies?

Game Design Methods: Creating a Game Design Methodology (Research Overview) 26-03-2008

Game Design Methods: Creating a Game Design Methodology is a presentation-rant concerning game design methods. This was used as a precursor to my research.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Game Design Tools (Presentation) 11-05-2010

Download here the presentation I gave concerning game design tools and the Game Design Toolbox Methodology. The presentation is based on the research done for my M.Phil. thesis which with any luck will be available here June or July 2010.

DOWNLOAD HERE

An Illustration of Applied Ludology

An Illustration of Applied Ludology was written for Master of Arts and Media during my fourth year at the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) and attempts illustrate my approach to using various game design tools and methods during my design process.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Current Game Design Methodologies

Current Game Design Methodologies was written in my third year at the Utrecht School of Arts (HKU) and  is a look at various attempts to aid or standardize game design.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Game Concept and Design Document Template

The Game Concept and Design Document Template is a culmination (Rollings & Morris 1999 2003)(Fullerton et al. 2004)(Ryan 1999)(Gordon 2000)(Sloper 1997)(Walstra 2003)(Taylor 1999)(Sikora 2001)(Freeman 1997) of research in an effort to generate a thorough template to be used by the game designer during game development. This template incorporates documentation for concepts, design and tech specs. In addition there is a philosophy behind the formulation of the template:

1. Each template targets different readers involved with game development (e.g. clients, management, programmers, audio designers and artists)
2. The design template is meant as a designers note book rather than a design bible.
3. The design template is organized to capture the perspectives of the player.

DOWNLOAD HERE (version 1.5)


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