Thematic Integration in Board Game Design

ISBN-13: 9781032584058 / Angielski / Miękka / 2024 / 176 str.

Sarah Shipp

Opis

Thematic Integration in Board Game Design examines the design and integration of theme from the standpoints of technical structure, narrative building, and the design process. This book presents multiple approaches to designing theme as well as developing and replacing themes in existing projects.

Spis treści

Author Bio

 

Acknowledgments

 

Part One: Principles of Theme

 

Chapter One: What is Theme?

            What are Mechanics?

            Common Usage of Theme

            A New Definition

 

Chapter Two: Modes of Thematic Expression

            General Terms Relating to Theme

            Layers of Theme

            Knitted and Layered Themes

            Thematic Actions

 

Chapter Three: Thematically Structuring Games

            Central Thematic Metaphors

            Mechanical Game Structures

 

Part Two: Theme-Building

 

Chapter Four: Connecting Story to Gameplay

            Goals, Obstacles, and Conflict

            Converting Goals to Actions

            Game World Vs. Game State

            Utilizing Pauses

 

Chapter Five: Narrative Structure

            Narrative Framing

            Thematic Story Structure

            Inciting Incidents

            Exposition and Denouement

 

Chapter Six: Building Characters

            Avatar Templates

            Degrees of Motivational Exchange

            Thematic Player Strategies

 

Chapter Seven: Fleshing Out Characters

            Non-narrative Characters

            Creating Player Investment Through Character Motivation

            A Practical Look at Evil Characters

 

Chapter Eight: Setting

            Modes of Setting Expression

            Purposes of Setting

Chapter Nine: Putting It All Together

            Applying Chapters One Through Eight

            Theme-Building Quick Guide

 

Part Three: Thematic Design Process

 

Chapter Ten: Ideas and Research

            How to Have Good Ideas

            Purposes of Research

 

Chapter Eleven: Editing for Resonance

            Familiarity and Unexpectedness

            Removing Chaff

            Improving Thematic Engagement

 

Chapter Twelve: Design Reference Guides

            Design Process Quick Guide

            Guide to Retheming a Game

            When to Dial Back Theme

 

Chapter Thirteen: Conclusion

 

Game Index

 

Index

O autorze

Sarah Shipp is a freelance theatre technician, board game designer, and blogger. She designed Deadly Dowagers and (upcoming) Monsters Love Vegas!. Her blog, ShippBoard Games, has received recognition as the best board game design blog of 2022 by Cardboard Edison. In 2021, she presented a talk at the virtual Game Developers Conference on Thematic Resonance. She has also presented at Metatopia Online and Nonepub. In 2023, she became a regular segment contributor to the podcast Ludology. Sarah has an MFA in design and technical production for theatre. She lives in North Texas with her husband, dog, and several dozen mason bees.