[GROUP PLAY] Small World Online

MODULE 2 Group Play
(Synchronous Play)

We are going to play Small World, a game of conquest and diplomacy.  This game is a great example of asymmetry.  Small World masterfully balances asymmetry via an auction system that allows player to wager and balance asymmetry as a sort of a mini game. 

Game info: Overview > http://playthisthing.com/small-world Links to an external site. Tutorial video > http://youtu.be/X9QtdiRJYro Links to an external site. Rules > http://www.daysofwonder.com/smallworld/en/content/rules/ Links to an external site. Rules FAQ > http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/391216 Links to an external site.

 

Tools

VASSAL download > http://www.vassalengine.org/ Links to an external site.

VASSAL Small World Module > http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Small_World Links to an external site.

Ian Schreiber's VASSAL tutorial video >  SmallWorldOnVASSAL.mp4 (download & watch)

Skype > skype.com Links to an external site.

 

To play Small World, we need two things: an online digital implementation of Small World and a  communication tool (video/audio conferencing). 

Communication:  Skype

Small World is a highly social game with diplomacy as a core game mechanic, which involves lots of talking.  Ideally video conferencing tool is best but an audio conference call will do.  What is not acceptable is to use some sort of chat or texting.  The game will be too slow if you have to read and type with three other players.  I recommend Skype which allows free audio conferencing.  Open a free account with Skype and share your Skype ID's with your team.  If you do not use Skype, agree on a communication tool.

 

Digital implementation: VASSAL

VASSAL is an online virtual tabletop game sharing platform.  VASSAL offers a server that hosts a virtual copy of tabletop games, moveable images of the board and pieces.  VASSAL will shuffle cards, roll dice and allow you play a full game of Small World.  However, it will not enforce rules, and thus it is up to the players to maintain the game system. 

  1. Form groups of 4 or 5 and decide on time to play online.
  2. Learn how to play Small World via rulebook and videos.
  3. Download and open a Skype account.  Share Skype ID's and test Skype with your group.
  4. Download VASSAL client and install it.
  5. Download Small World VASSAL module.
  6. Watch Ian Schreiber's tutorial on playing Small World with VASSAL
  7. Launch Small World VASSAL module and Skype
  8. Play Small World


After adequate game play, share what you learned with the community. Include the following in your post:

  1. Briefly summarize what who played,  and how the game went. 
  2. What was your strategy and what would you do differently the next time?
  3. What game mechanics did you like?

You don’t need to include much detail; a sentence or two for each of the three points is fine.

After you have completed your group play, post your commentary in the FORUMS. Read the commentary for other student groups in the FORUMS and see if others had similar or varying experiences.

Please select the Game-mechanics-research folder when posting your initial post and use hashtag #smallworld.