For this project, you’re going to do a guided analysis of a specific game of your choosing using Schell’s “lenses” from the Module 3 readingActions as well as of another key idea from the course.

The purpose is to give you something concrete to apply these conceptual frameworks to. More importantly, think of this as a “dry run” at the Game Analysis project: to learn how to apply a specific model or set of key ideas to a specific game, and to describe the key elements of that game using details and references to the authors, readings, and “big ideas” of the class.

Analysis Questions

Remember: answer both of these prompts!

Question 1:

Use one of Schell’s “lenses” (p. 271-281) to analyze a game of your choice. This can be a game we’ve played in this class or a different game that you are interested in. Provide a brief description of the game (or part of the game) that you are analyzing, and the reason you chose that game. Then, answer each of the questions included in the “lens”. [250-300 words]

Question 2:

Using the same game you chose for prompt 1, analyze one other key element of the game that we have discussed in the course (designed play, emergent play, interactivity, agency, interactive storytelling methods, etc.). Include a brief summary of the term or concept you are using to analyze, as well as the reason you chose to use it. Use specific terms, authors, readings, etc. in your analysis. For instance, when discussing interactivity, you might refer to Salen and Zimmerman’s “levels of interactivity”, or Crawford’s notions of the separation of power. [250-300 words]