Monday, April 14, 2003

Some more notes from the inaugral idea beers session about board games

Different ways of categorising board games:
  • Type of fun - in winning (mental games e.g. TP, risk) or in playing (physical games e.g. Twister)
  • Type of skill - specific (scrabble) or generic (Tantrix)
  • Amount of luck required - high, med, low
  • Type of winning - decisive (Monopoly) or no big deal (Articulate)
  • Rules - simple or complex (someone has to read the rule book)
  • Visual clues as to how close someone is to winning - graphic (TP), not clear (Tantrix)
  • Universally enjoyable activity (TP)
  • Escapism vs. able to relate to situation/ able to aspire to situation
  • Important to control time - keep everyone involved (speed versions e.g. Risk?)

Idea of ownership important - how can you come to own things?
  • Collection
  • Theft
  • Win/inherit
  • Barter/negotiate/pact
  • Buy
  • Take by force (war)

Why do you play?
  • Social oiling - safe form of interaction
  • Pass time
Discussion
- how could you make an interactive board - setting up the game involves creating and defining the board?