Game Studies - Project 2 : Tabletop gameplay
Week 6 - Week 12
Tan Pei Yun / 0345386
Game Studies/Bachelor of
Design in Creative Media
Project 2: Tabletop gameplay
Instructions
Weekly Progress
Week 6 (11/05/2023) to Week 13 (06/07/2023) :
#2 Play Test
Preparation for Alpha Playtest
Research on game exploration
Amend action cards
Revise gameplay rules
Basic character design development
Print initial board prototype design
|
| Fig 1.0 Play Test #2 in ADP |
This is where the second time we played our game but this times in ADP classroom and introduce how it works to Ms Anis about Duck Academia.
Feedback (Ms Anis) :
Overall, the game is coming together well, but the playability aspect requires further attention. Good job! Some suggestion given that can consider for improving the game mechanics :
Consider focusing on a single form of currency, such as social credit, within the game as players had already experienced the concept of "academic credit" in real life.
Explore the idea of incorporating specific goals for players to achieve, like attaining a 4.0 CGPA. This would provide players with clear objectives and further engage them in the gameplay.
#3 Play Test
Feedback (Within Group):
The gameplay is exactly like Monopoly, even worse than previous version
The event cards were still a mess, outcome were not what we hoped for
Game components require improvement and careful consideration
The idea of “skill and goal” cards is good, but need to revamp the idea and incorporate it more effectively
|
||
Fig 2.0 the never ending test play in x-space
|
#4 Play Test
Improvements :
Make the credit board smaller, reduce amount of credits to 30 to win
Filter out more unnecessary event cards again
 |
| Fig 3.0 Girlsss Nights Play Test in D-Latour |
I had an absolute blast during this playtest session. We had put in so much effort to make various changes and improvements, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that our hard work paid off. The game was not only functional but also a lot of fun to play. It was a day filled with laughter, excitement, and memorable moments. Siew Weng had make us homemade bibimbap that added an extra touch of enjoyment to our playtest session. Wei Jie also brought some snacks that kept us fueled and energized throughout the game. It was a delightful experience to share good food and good company while immersing ourselves in the Duck Academia. Overall, this playtest session was a perfect blend of creativity, teamwork, and enjoyment. It's moments like these that make the journey worthwhile and create lasting memories.
Week 7 : 18/05/2023 - 21/05/2023
#Alpha Play Test
Improvements :
To visualise the cards in order to create more memorable encounters.
Add elements like each character to have its own special power and characteristics.
Add more chances for skill cards as we found that it was a bit boring when all of the players do not have any skill card on hand, so we decided to add a game rule: "each player has one skill card in the beginning of the game as their secret weapon".
 | |
Fig 4.1 Alpha Play Test 1 in ADP Classroom |
During the alpha play test, we had a great time and received some positive feedback. However, we also noticed that there were moments when the gameplay felt a bit lacking, especially when players didn't have any skill cards to use. To address this, we came up with a brilliant solution: each player now starts the game with a secret weapon - a skill card. This adds an extra element of excitement and strategy to the game, ensuring that every player has a chance to showcase their unique abilities and keep the gameplay engaging throughout. It was an important adjustment that made a significant difference in enhancing the overall experience of Duck Academia
Week 9 : 01/06/2023 - 04/06/2023
Visual Elements + Preparation for Beta Play Test
- Improve details of character design (Add shadow & highlight)
- Discuss art direction of whole game
- Illustrate card visual elements
 |
| Fig 5.0 Alpha Play Test 2 in ADP Classroom |
During this playtest, Jia Hsuan and Ser Yeet took charge and did an excellent job moderating the game. They were able to guide the players effectively and ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. One of the standout moments was when they led the group in a fun dance and singing session. It was heartwarming to see everyone coming together, having a great time, and fully immersing themselves in the world of Duck Academia. This showed the strong connection and engagement that the game was able to foster among the players. It was a clear indication that Duck Academia had successfully created an environment where laughter and fun were at the forefront.
 |
Fig 5.2 More Meetings in X-space |
In our meetings at x-space, we tackled the task of assigning characters to the cards for the visual design. It was a bit like a card sorting method, where we had to organize and distribute the work among ourselves. I took on the responsibility of working on Arvil's character, creating the card illustration. Siew Weng was kind enough to provide us with a template to ensure consistency across the designs.
Week 10 : 08/06/2023 - 11/06/2023
 |
| Fig 6.0 Meeting for finalise the game card design |
During our group meeting, we had a productive discussion about refining the sentences on the game cards to avoid lengthy text and spelling error, additionally make sure the illustration style, and the icons used. The goal was to ensure consistency and coherence among these elements, making sure they all fit together seamlessly.
Finalising Visual Elements + Printing Materials
 |
| Fig 6.1 feedback and consultation with Ms Anis |
| Fig 6.2 Design Progression Week 11 |
 |
| Fig 6.3 Duck Academia Standee Prototype |
Week 12 : 22/06/2023 - 25/06/2023
Improve game board design and amend details
Source for material of game components (UV sticker, credits, credit board, standee)
Finalise game components for printing
 |
| Fig 7.0 Trying out other group board game - SH!T |
I had been eager to try this game for a while, and I finally got the chance to play it. I absolutely loved the cooking concept, along with the Malaysian pasar and kedai theme. The mini nasi lemak batu seremban in particular grabbed my attention and impressed me. I would rate the overall fun factor of this game at 4 out of 5!
 |
| Fig 8.0 Beta Play Test in ADP Classroom |
- Overall, the game is interesting and fun
- It engages everyone to talk and perform challenges
- It brings everyone to socialise with one another
- Since the standee is still a prototype, it is not firm and flimsy, it interrupts and influences the game play
- The rule book needs some improvement, as some of the details were unclear and because it is still a mockup
- To confirm the material and printing of the standee
- To amend the contents of the rule book accordingly
 |
| Fig 9.0 "Alamak" why so small rulebook |
 | |
|
In the midst of our stress and confusion on how to create the credit board, we decided to take a break and visit XOXO Cafe for some delicious food. It was there that Siew Weng stumbled upon a wooden coaster and had a brilliant idea. She took out the credits from her bag and placed them on the coaster, and to our amazement, it was a perfect fit for the 30 credits! It turned out to be the ideal credit board solution. We approached the cafe owner to inquire about the coasters and discovered that they could be purchased from an online store at a much lower cost. It was a stroke of luck that not only helped us solve the printing cost issue but also added a unique touch to our game.
Comments
Post a Comment