Play Make Write Think

Author: Kimberly

Us Three Girls Plus One Boy >> Doki Doki LC’s Podcast Creation

Student Posts

Doki Doki Literature Club was a game heavily focused on the visual contrast of expectations between gore and adorable girls. When we first started the podcast, we decided that it required first-person experience. Both producers browsed through playthroughs, reactions, and reviews. I acquired my understanding of the game by playing through the actual game from Steam and browsing through game mods, memes, and game conspiracy theories. One theory was how the online store merchandise gave quick ideas of how this game hid a story about dystopian religious camps and human experimentation. My Co-Producer focused on the description of Doki Doki Literature Club on Steam and on secret ends. We both played the game.

The creation of a google doc is where we added ideas to each other. Texting was important, and we had spent one whole day going through the run-through of the podcast. An outline was included. During the podcast, subtopics and free-style talking was emphasized. The editing re-ordered the subjects wherever we left off. Typing out a quick script of dialogue in response to the partner’s really helped organize our thoughts. When either of us were stuck, we had suggestions as a group worked out. The line producer voice acted and edited the audio along with us.

We decided against the whole summary format of the game compared to the Android Podcast, because the game was simplistic and focused more on mechanics and character. We also were inspired by the gameplay aspect of 99% Invisible and the personal anecdote styles from the “What Would You Do If You Were An Android”. Also the advice in class about using music as talking cues helped inspire us and was included in our podcast.

Our primary goal was to exploit the 4th Wall Breaking theme and how it relates to the microecology and larger ecosystem of games and society. Ultimately, we wanted to show how it becomes a self-conscious and emphatic game that borders visual novels and games compared to other media. We used to Genre, Purpose, Audience, etc. outline. Articles from the creator’s interview explained game purpose and design. A challenge that arose was the explanation of mechanics and how in depth it should be in order not to overshadow the general storyline. This was solved by focusing on the coding and minigames while implying visual novel elements. It would be preferential to describe how game modifications and code analyzers added complexity such as hidden codes character symbolism.

Through the final outcome, we achieved composing texts in multiple genres by restating articles of creator opinion in the podcast, using audio to summarize the summary text of the game page, and voicing dialogue between characters. We analyzed Salvato’s claims and purposes to relate the game’s 4th wall breaking themes and its role in microecology. We used a google doc to organize rough drafts, outlines, and a script. Finally, we added credit sources to the podcast’s description properly.

NOTE: I am most proud of the hilarious voice-acting in the podcast. Creative thinking definitely improved since we took a lot of inspiration from outer sources leading to voice-acting and music variety.

LINK TO THE PODCASTS: https://eng101s20.davidmorgen.org/ready-set-game/ready-set-game-the-rhetoric-of-games/

Let’s decide for ourselves >>Mansions of Murder Review

Student Posts

Double Group Plays >> Review

Three college students are sitting at a square table in the Emory Student Center. One of the three has played twice. I was that player. The first time I ran through the game, I was responsible for handling the rules and understanding the overview of the game. It felt free form in that the objective of the game was handled indirectly from me to the other players. The decision of actually setting the game as solo play or team work was in my hands. From my interpretation, it was an independent mystery game played with others. However, the set-up of the game further established the lack of competition and individuality due to shared spaces on the board game and relying on the person who knows most of the rules. There were other cards to ensure helping other players as well as implied interpretation that getting the “insane” condition card would end badly for everyone. Thus, from our group interpretation, it was supposed to be a cooperative mystery game. Clearly, from the first to second game with two different groups, as the rule decider, I decided to keep the cooperative play environment as opposed to the independent survival approach of winning. Even when the game coerced us near the end that only a single player could survive, we decided against that and focused on the experience and narrative. We, as players, ended up setting a team process and strategy decisions as in one player decides what they want to do, but the consent and open opinions of others also played into what the one player does. Sometimes, the physics of the game altered or were bent to fit into the group dynamic. A rule from the book was the use of the clue tokens where it was for the player only; however, when someone was in trouble or needed a token, anyone in the team would offer theirs. Another was the ignorance of yellow and filled borders and deciding which ones to cross. The result was still fluid gameplay that did not downplay consequences on players and still held the “logic” of the game. Barricades and stealing items in trade actions were not in use, and the fires were extinguished for the good of the group. When I played with the insane condition, I ignored it, knowing I would lose the game; however, the team objective was more important, and all of us wanted to know more of the story and propel the game onwards rather than win/lose.

My Final Thoughts

Mansions of Madness actually offered that nonlinear experience in setting aside book rules and previous interpretations of games. For example, the order of the players did not matter. Another was the board game was set in moveables tiles and used technology for interactive experience. In fact, when I played through the second time with another group, the map of the game changed, and the game time was extended. The gameplay was straightforward in a sense that all the basic rules such as borders, dice, and damage cards were laid out. However, there was plenty room for error when it came to subtle questions such as what was considered in range, what borders could be crossed, or even if special abilities were considered actions. Group 1 chose a more fluid style, making up rules as we go while retaining the same physics of the game when we had those questions. Group 2 went for the strict book structure, following the exceptions laid out in book terms. Honestly, I did not enjoy the second approach, but it also offered me different insight in that different strategies were made to move through the game. The items and conditions made the game very complex, requiring each of us to decide what was best for the group, for ourselves, and if we even remember what cards we have in our inventory. Truthfully, I believed the app added to the complexity of the game, filling in the plot holes and confusion during gameplay. It understood the need for fluid gameplay and easier user interface as opposed to complete manual reference. This allowed the manuals to be less cumbersome and more useful. Overall the game was non-linear; this is added to the fact that the app randomly generated maps and encounters. This allowed the use of probing and telescoping in reaction to the various random challenges presented. For me, it made each game of the same story feel different. There were general rules set up that resembled more of guidelines. The landscape of the map changes, each turn and item offers different challenges, and even the group dynamic can change the choices we make. Thus, Johnson’s claim holds true in this board game.

A Side Note

My favorite character was Carson Sinclair the butler. He keeps falling and tripping in game (while accumulating damage from those), but he can challenge a Hunting Horror (snake monster) to fisticuffs. I find him hilarious and cool. What’s yours?

LINK: https://eng101s20.davidmorgen.org/quests/side-quests/side-quest-6-design-analysis-of-betrayal-at-house-on-the-hill-or-mansions-of-madness/

My heart goes “ba-boon-ba-boon”

Student Posts

My little valentine monkey

I was sitting in the living room, scrolling through the various “Sunday Sketches” by Christopher Niemann. After the tiny valentine’s party at my brother’s preschool, he came back with plastic hearts and confections galore. Some leftovers were in his tiny hands, and he excitedly gave me a heart-shaped capsule.

Some ideas I came up with was a peach, an apple or some fish, but I went with the most obvious : the butt. The gorilla headphones combo photo by Christopher Niemann actually inspired me of the mammal and I knew that the baboon would have the largest butt to fit this heart capsule. After looking through some reference photos, I settled on this one, because I was not familiar with the anatomy of a baboon.

I then applied some markers and pencil to add color. Truthfully, I wanted to draw the baboon in a more stylized, simplified style with marker, but I decided it would not look good. The marker around the baboon was added for color. I also put a filter on the photo, because I did not like the white, neutral sheen of the paper.

Reference photo: “Baboon Butt” by Thegillman9 https://imgur.com/gallery/hxhZSLd

LINK TO PROMPT SQ5: https://eng101s20.davidmorgen.org/quests/side-quests/side-quest-5-sunday-sketches/

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Student Posts

Combo Photo

I started out picking my favorite color and looking up what objects are red on google. There were plenty of children picture book references. I then put away the project for another idea. After a quick study session of anatomy, I realized that apples and hearts are red and decided to go along with that age-old statement about apples and doctors.

Some challenges I faced was deciding whether to overlay the apple or just stick it on top of the heart. Overlaying the apple would make it not look like an apple, but sticking it on top would make the heart seem an odd shape. I went with the second option and erased the apple enough to fit the heart. I saturated the colors more to match the reds. The longest part was erasing the overlay, but a quick question on the internet helped me to figure out how to use PicMonkey. A tip: Use the Graphics Icon to overlay and insert more than one image. Also right-clicking brings up the eraser and fade options to blend the two images.

Final message

This image conveys how healthful eating can prevent heart problems and other diseases/illnesses. The clash of 3d to 2d creates the hypothetical situation of awareness where eating healthfully would not produce obvious results of healthiness but still contributes to it. It is my take on “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

Sources: Heart by Injurymap https://www.flickr.com/photos/157210824@N06/46770305995/in/photolist-2efW3w8-b8C9EH-7Dexkr-7jV1tA-npqrDm-dX2vor-96XQnE-6RW2pt-9xv2ja-7CSfo5-oihvDa-iVMpnF-6rVSbo-o6xbVQ-3gbqMu-9DE7di-7DXhc7-2bX3PW-4ggtsX-6yLJM9-5P8C3q-8Ng5us-5dZpWw-2hrv3iy-eKUHdG-5tHyEk-7WgJw7-2vEtqV-2dC4x7-4H6zyX-3cJo7f-7XzX6r-ihwz6k-96JAt-bghih-h6wzP-p5ckmc-5RZbaq-8jhjYi-4saqa1-5otsrW-928wCF-8jkyKC-24KfvAx-AG5XD-5ah8u6-AG5Yk-pmDNHo-p5bcaB-pmDP2u

Apple by Open Grid Scheduler

https://www.flickr.com/photos/opengridscheduler/24591388896/in/photolist-rUwJfg-Dt4iaJ-24k4u8N-DkRWME-DMe87K-JAcF5U-DdJ52e-9XzRzZ-zMbg6Y-HqrHZQ-246Fc6H-2az2rTD-Z1Tc5t-JuqjkL-AJbvcT-226GBXd-DK4okd-Djc6Nj-BUbcDa-GGfvCh-JVgRDR-szp8a9-zQYQ8C-27FSXMA-GFUmB3-XYanFn-Kd18QR-qD4EzQ-23SpwHn-JL4JAY-JFXnUm-wKyQfV-BEspZT-zvGaWk-FXD1FG-22XScci-PnkxUX-GSQzMH-vJztsR-25bCNQ7-26YeWzB-uAYeBf-CSCdra-w62Zw5-JSfSuE-saeZG5-xeSrLe-R6MQ7E-tCe2HX-rjQjXT/

Where is Everyone? > Gone Home gameplay

Student Posts

June 7, 1995 1:15AM: “…don’t go digging around trying to find out where I am. I don’t want Mom and Dad anyone to know…” – Sam

> Launch Game

Hello! I am starting off with Gone Home– an exploratory game. A link to side quest 3: Liveblogging Gone Home is provided here : https://eng101s20.davidmorgen.org/quests/side-quests/side-quest-3-liveblogging-gone-home/

> React to Game

The opening sequence started with a slow tempo; the deep bass echoing through my ear buds and the single female voice set an unsettling atmosphere. The deep bass and mix of silence as no one responds to her voicemail adds to that question of who is behind the receiver. In particular, the theme of darkness shown by a black screen gives that sense of blindness going into the game which hints at the audience to explore beyond what they are able to see at first. I was genuinely scared that this was a mystery/horror game after seeing the note from Sam.

DESIGN: Font style resembles type-writer font, sounds like rain are used, and the setting visually takes place in an old house in Oregon. The creators set the main character as a traveler through her audio message and her travel bags. I liked the small Belgium flag that shows her travels in Europe even the little tag detail showing the main character’s name. Close ties with family are shown through her message, and the note Sam left behind knowing Katie would be concerned.

  • Sam’s Letter
  • Katie’s Tag
  • Belgium Flag
Although the items are quite dark, they show character building elements in showing Katie as a traveler.

Game mechanics: There are no instructions unless one explores and highlights all items that are potentially interactive. This adds to that mystery of the game. I certainly found the Christmas duck to be a cute and quirky hiding spot for the key when I wandered around. I am assuming there will be other puzzles closer to opening safes, doors, or even drawers at this point, because mystery games always have those mechanics. The directional perspective and lighting actually guides the player into the right direction (to notice things of importance), so the gameplay does not have a high learning curve. However, it is a bit disorienting. Audio is a definite form of characterization and story element in this game, which is certainly more engaging as it requires different attention compared to standard soundtrack and text.

Utility or Baggage?

Student Posts

I find myself often lugging around objects that are used and go disused in the hopes that it will be useful.

Dolling up my laptop!

Often I change the interface, preferring simplistic themes to the point that I would coordinate my google profile picture to fit the web and screen saver. Current fav: Finding Nemo.

It holds all my notes, calendar, and duties (which I somehow forget every time unless I pull out my computer in front of me)

Latchkey kid

Spongebob and I go way back. Sometimes, I look at it and decide which face/emotion I’m feeling. I also wave it around too much, risking the loss of my emory card, but I have to live on the edge somehow.

I realized I could just stick the cards in my backpack, but…. it’s spongebob.

Beloved Pencil Pouch

It had a matching pencil with it. Such fond memories come in as this was my birthday gift from an old friend.

Becoming an IPhone converter

I disliked IPhone for the longest time, but college soon came and IPhone’s simple interface became my savior. I am also an avid photo taker at events, so silly poses and photo editing is a fun and nostalgic way to bring friends together.

Tissues , Sanitizer, and Airborne Vitamins

Just in case, but in my case, I never get the sniffles (possession of monster immunity); The sweet pea sanitizer is starting to smell more like sanitizer than sweet pea.

Composition book

Another “just in case”, this holds my calendar if my phone or computer runs out of battery. I like to arrange it with doodles like those bullet journals people have nowadays.

Calculator

I am slowly starting to figure out that I may not need this in my 2nd semester classes, but it would bother me if I did not lug this around (I lugged it around the past 5-6 years).

Binder

Contains my notes, paper, and musical notations. Flimsy material is the lightest and the best; however, it is a bit odd to see Bach and Tchaikovsky mixing with my chem notes.

Textbooks

Roman Law? A great class and an amazing professor. The books? Additional back pain.

What’s my take on this?

The image only reflects my exterior side of handling things, often to the idea of simplicity and ease of use rather than personality. Thus, it only focuses on my working background. This image is certainly lacking on the edited and composition side. I wish I knew a better way to edit the photo and compose it, but taking photos of objects are more foreign to me than pictures of people. The parameters of lighting (brilliance and exposure) were raised, and the shadows were lowered. No appliance of brightness as the photo was too bright. No filters were used, and colors were only saturated by 5%. Things I would change is the angle, the reflection of light on the binder, and the color grading, but this was all used by an IPhone with limitations. Most objects were displayed with an exception to hygiene items. The most challenging was the photo taking. Lastly, the representation of oneself’s as a catalog of stuff is a type of writing. It requires a certain stance in representing one’s purpose, a tone, and a consideration to the audience. In this case, my audience in mind was other college students, the tone was comical, and the purpose was to be entertaining while painting a life-portrait. The means to compose a character requires explanation and evidence (photo). The medium was a blog, context was a written assignment, and design was of individual choice through photo editing and orientation of blog post. All these elements require careful thought. Therefore, this was a writing piece.

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Student Posts

I chose this image, Kirby in particular, because I found him to be cheerful with a heavy appetite, quite like mine. He is a flexible and adaptive character in absorbing his enemies/weaknesses and turning them into his power; in doing so, he aligns to how I wish to learn and grow. This 3d model of him in real-life gives a more animated outlook which portrays how I also wish to express the skills and characters I gain from theory into actual practice. Chalkduster font was used to emphasize the easygoing and adaptive nature of this image.

Some difficulties I had were trying to use the interfaces between Picmonkey and Pixlr as one required a free trial, and the other had more presets/options to elaborate on. I also tried to understand the pixels width and length as I downloaded the image and cropped it appropriately.

Image Credits: “Kirby Invades Chateau de Ranton” by Nick Silver Sides.

Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rtypes/16807571109/in/photolist-rBecjM-DtXpn9-CyLigu-KahP18-KahQsB-P3e8uU-yNRpvx-2F5XnW-uiqzU4-rkFEQW-rkDqyn-bu8Df8-P826M3-ZQdSuA-D59Unu-KZZkFM-MpY8Ga-28pWmAo-MpYhqH-UXLezd-KZKrCL-wvUj5t-Yht5qX-LPUp5F-tmrnH7-r2xcjH-K3n2e6-RCzxPz-APkXJE-ZUWaT2-D59Yzh-2F1y9c-M7ZPsn-Mpdvdy-UC1YtQ-26aGYKY-28W5djx-rkDpmc-2fjk2Ey-FMr2ri-Dp1izr-CyLdTm-rvRg22-rvXg4t-B6UyrZ-Bx8nu4-V1h5hb-VqzRVc-vKVo8n-28C4dW1

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