GAME PLAY LIBRARY

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GAME PLAY LIBRARY
Playlists of games for all

game mechanics research


 
The following page includes a library of games and 'playlists' that correspond to each MODULE.
As a game designer, it is important that you play ALL types of games. 
Your goal is to mine game mechanics and apply them to THE MAIN QUEST, your final project. 

Since most these games are soft-board games, table-top games 'ported' to digital media, they are fully documented.  If you really want to understand game design, play the games then read the rules and look for patterns in design.  For instance, Dominion has a hand limit of five cards versus hand limit of six in Thunderstone.  What would happen to the game economy if hand limits were increased or decreased in either game?  

These games are all free but some may require registration.

 Choose any or all games to play, then discuss your experience in the forums!
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MODULE 1

Playlist #1 - Euro - Econsims:

Playlist #2 - Complex Euro Econsim:

Playlist #3 - Simple Conflict Systems: Area Influence & Auctions

Playlist #4 - Puzzles & Hidden Information:

 Group Play #1 (Online, Asynchronous)

MODULE 2

Playlist #5 - Meaty Wargames:

Playlist #6 - Auctions Galore:

Playlist #7 Connection:

Playlist #8 - Trading Card Game (TCG):

 Group Play #2 (Online, Synchronous)

MODULE 3:

Playlist #9 - Consims:

Playlist #10 - Racing:

Playlist #11 - Artsy Video Games:

  • Aisle Links to an external site., by Sam Barlow. (A one turn interactive fiction.)
  • Passage and/or Gravitation, by Jason Rohrer. (5 and 8 minute play times, respectively.)
  • The Marriage, by Rod Humble. (Playable in just a few minutes.)
  • Stars Over Half-Moon Bay, by Rod Humble. (Playable in just a few minutes.)
  • September 12, by Gonzalo Frasca. (Plays indefinitely, but the mechanics are simple and immediately apparent within the first minute or two.)
  • Samorost, by Amanita. (Takes awhile to play through completely.)
  • Cloud, by Jenova Chen. (Takes awhile to play to completion, but it shows you the major mechanics in the first level, which only takes a few minutes)

Playlist #12 - RPGs:

 

MODULE 4

Playlist #13 - Strong Narrative:

Playlist #14 - Racing and Sports:

Playlist #15 - Short Puzzles: