Choose a single game to analyze. Have the students create and describe their own list of verbs, objects, and other rules that create this game's structure and experience, including their own description of how the verb, object, or rule operates. Other rules besides verbs and objects might involve how certain verbs or objects interact or how the game is won or lost. After everyone is finished,

Question

discuss similarities and differences in how each student described the game.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Divide the class into groups, and have each group choose a game that at least two members of the group are familiar with, either from a list of games you've already discussed, or by brainstorming. Have each group identify the most important verbs in the game, and then redesign the core gameplay by substituting a different verb. What would happen if we replaced the verb "shoot" in a game about shooting with a different verb like "talk" or "dance?" A game where "jump" is a primary verb might be redesigned to be about a verb like "glide" instead. How would the game's rules, behavior, and interaction have to change to make it feel like a game about gliding instead of jumping? What would this change mean for other aspects of the game? Would the spaces of the game end up having to change? How about the game's narrative themes and story?

Groups should describe the redesigned version of their game in detail—more or less detail depending on available time. Have groups present their redesigned game to the class, and take questions and feedback from members of other groups.