Week 03- Editing Chaos Square

This past week we were able to prototype our game, Chaos Square, while also testing out our classmates’ games. While we were not able to demonstrate our game on Thursday to the whole class, we were able to get feedback on Tuesday to another group. Thanks to them we were able to refine our rules and the actions of the players.

As stated before, last week we spent the majority of class testing our game early in the week and trying out our classmates’ games. The game we were able to help out with was a version of musical chairs. The game itself was fairly simple, and the main issue we saw when it came to the game regarded the chairs used and the optimal size of the group. For when it was prototyped among a small group the game ended fairly quickly, but when the whole class got to try it at once, the game seemed to drag a little. Furthermore, it became a bit confusing to keep track of how many chairs were needed to ensure the exit of at least one player each round. Suggestions such as staying in their seat until the start of the next round, or getting rid of more people at once was bandied about. Overall, our classmates’ game was pretty fun. 

When it came to our game, we were had to revise the rules and actions the most. The number of players remained the same, while the flexibility of the playspace meant no changes needed be made there. When it came to the rules however, our game, Chaos Square, went from a combination of Four Square and dodgeball to something more unique. Rules such as the outer players not targeting the inner players, but the ball they tossed were made clear. Also, rules were established on how players would swap positions, or be knocked out for new players to join. This in turn clarified the goals and actions for each of the players. For example, the inner players focus on bouncing a ball between them and knocking out their neighbor by double bouncing the ball. Meanwhile the outer players (Jokers as we call them) went from trying to throw a ball at the inner players to tag them out, to trying to hit the ball the inner players use in order to swap with them. In other words, the goals of the inner players is to remain in the square as long as possible, as the outer players tried to switch with them or incite chaos. Overall, each of the six basic elements were addressed. Hopefully on Tuesday we can gain even further feedback from our peers and improve the game even more.