Computer Science
Grade 8
20 min
Designing a Simple Game: Planning and Prototyping
Plan and design a simple game, including game mechanics, level design, and UI. Create a paper prototype of the game.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Articulate a clear game concept, including its core mechanics and objectives.
Create a basic game design document outlining key elements of their game.
Differentiate between various prototyping methods, such as paper and digital prototypes.
Construct a simple paper prototype to test a core game mechanic.
Identify the importance of iteration and feedback in the game design process.
Explain the purpose of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in game prototyping.
Ever wondered how your favorite games go from a cool idea to a playable adventure? 🎮 It all starts with careful planning and clever prototyping!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential steps of designing a simple game, from brainstorming initial ideas to creating a basic playable prototype. Unde...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Game ConceptThe overarching idea or theme of a game, including its genre, setting, and primary goal.A 2D platformer where a robot collects gears to fix a broken spaceship.
Core Gameplay LoopThe sequence of actions a player repeatedly performs to progress and experience the game's fun.Player moves -> collects item -> avoids enemy -> reaches goal -> repeats in new level.
Game MechanicsThe rules, systems, and interactions that define how players engage with the game world and achieve objectives.Jumping, shooting, inventory management, crafting, puzzle-solving.
PrototypingThe process of creating a simplified, early version of a game or its features to test ideas, mechanics, and user experience.Building a paper version of a board game to test its rules be...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The 'What, How, Why' Game Design Framework
What is the game about? How do players interact with it? Why is it fun?
Use this framework to clearly define your game's core concept, mechanics, and unique selling points during the planning phase. It helps ensure your game has a purpose and an engaging experience.
Iterative Design Cycle
Plan -> Build -> Test -> Refine -> Repeat
This cycle emphasizes continuous improvement. Start with a plan, build a small part (prototype), test it, gather feedback, refine your design, and then repeat the cycle. It's essential for catching problems early and making your game better over time.
Focus on Core Mechanics for Prototyping (MVP Principle)
When prototyping, build only the absolute essential mechanics ne...
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Challenging
A team is designing a game based on the 'Collect the Gems' example. They have a paper prototype and a digital prototype. They want to test if the 'feel' of the jump (e.g., gravity, jump height) is satisfying. Which prototype is better for this specific test, and why?
A.The digital prototype, because 'feel' is an emergent property of timing and physics that can't be simulated on paper
B.The paper prototype, because it's faster to see the character's position
C.Both are equally good for testing the 'feel' of the jump
D.The paper prototype, because you can add more levels and obstacles easily
Challenging
A game's core loop is: (1) Gather resources, (2) Craft tools, (3) Explore new areas. The designer finds through testing that players are getting bored during the 'Gather resources' phase. How could the designer best apply the iterative design cycle to address this?
A.Remove the 'Gather resources' phase entirely and give players infinite resources
B.Add more types of resources to make gathering take longer
C.Focus on improving the graphics of the resources so they look better
D.Prototype and test a new game mechanic within the 'Gather resources' phase, like a mini-game, to make it more engaging
Challenging
A designer uses the 'What, How, Why' framework. 'WHAT: A space exploration game. HOW: Players fly a ship, scan planets, and trade goods. WHY: The fun comes from the thrill of discovery.' The first prototype reveals that flying the ship is tedious and slow. Which parts of the framework are failing the player experience?
A.Only the 'How', because the core interaction is not enjoyable
B.Only the 'What', because space exploration is not a good game concept
C.Only the 'Why', because the intended fun isn't being delivered
D.Both the 'How' and the 'Why', as the unenjoyable interaction prevents the intended fun
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