Game
Precedents
WHAT WE ARE DOING
WHY WE ARE DOING IT
Researching and exploring themes for our games
To build a library of examples that we can learn from and use to inspire our own game designs
ACTIVITY MATERIALS
Optional
- Phone
- Cospaces App on Phone
- Google Cardboard
Check tutorial on how to use the googles in the "Toolbox" Tab
Laptop + Student CoSpaces account
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Test various games on CoSpaces to understand their mechanics and potential (Test through AR/VR Optional)
Choose one game that interests you most to analyze
Break down the game's theme, key components, and mechanics
Create a presentation summarizing your analysis and share it with the class to contribute to a collective game library.
~2hrs
1st
Create an account on CoSpaces. https://edu.cospaces.io/
~30min
Go to "Gallery" and search for games, and test them out!
You can search for specific things
Optional test the AR/VR features using your phone and google cardboard. You can find the resources for it in the "Toolbox" Tab!
2nd
Go to the 'Resources' tab and find games to explore, or select a game you already know/like.
~5min
GAME ANALYSIS
Adventure Games
Exploration Games
Educational Simulations
3rd
Break down the game's theme, key components, and mechanics
TYPE/THEME
Game Components
Mechanics
Environment/World
Characters
Plot
Worlds
~5min
~15min
~30min
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Type/Theme
Example: The Legend of Zelda
Players explore a vast, dynamic world, uncover hidden secrets, and solve environmental puzzles.
Example: Subnautica – players explore an underwater alien world, gather resources, and uncover the mystery of the planet while surviving in a vast, open ocean.
TYPE: Exploration Games
THEME
THEME
Fantasy Adventures
Marine Exploration
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Type/Theme
Example:
Uncharted 4 – players follow a treasure-hunting adventure with lots of action and exploration.
Example:
Swing through New York City as Spider-Man, fighting villains and saving the day in an accessible and action-filled story.
TYPE: Adventure Games
THEME
THEME
Treasure Hunting
Urban Exploration+ Combat
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Type/Theme
Example:
Players design and launch rockets, learning about physics, engineering, and space travel. The game encourages creativity and problem-solving as players navigate the challenges of space missions.
Example:
In this turn-based strategy game, players build and expand their own civilization through different historical eras. It teaches concepts of economics, diplomacy, and cultural development while encouraging critical thinking and strategic planning.
TYPE: Educational Games
THEME
THEME
Space Exploration and Physics
History and Strategy
GAME ANALYSIS
Adventure Games
Exploration Games
Educational Simulations
3rd
Break down the game's theme, key components, and mechanics
TYPE/THEME
Game Components
Mechanics
Environment/World
Characters
Plot
Worlds
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Game Components I World
Size - City, Planets, Galaxy, lands?
Colors/Mood - Mystical Fantasy lands, Dynamic City, Sci fi Galactic, Serene forest....
Sounds/Events - Wars, Traveling through time, Leaves and river sounds..
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Game Components I Characters
How many characters ? and their names.
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Game Components I Plot
What is the plot of the game?
Example: The Legend of Zelda
In a vast open world, players control Link, who awakens from a long slumber to find Hyrule in ruins after a catastrophic event caused by the evil Calamity Ganon. Link must explore the kingdom, regain his strength, and gather allies to confront Ganon and save Princess Zelda.
3rd
3rd
GAME ANALYSIS I Game Components
Example Summary Slide
Title LEGEND OF ZELDA
Type/Theme Fantasy Adventure
Plot In a vast open world, players control Link, who awakens from a long slumber to find Hyrule in ruins after a catastrophic event caused by the evil Calamity Ganon. Link must explore the kingdom, regain his strength, and gather allies to confront Ganon and save Princess Zelda.
Characters: Link, Princess Zelda, Ganon.
World: Open Vast Green Fields + Castles
GAME ANALYSIS
Adventure Games
Exploration Games
Educational Simulations
3rd
Break down the game's theme, key components, and mechanics
TYPE/THEME
Mechanics
Environment/World
Characters
Plot
Worlds
Game Components
3rd
3rd
Educational Game
Adventure Game
Exploration Game
Movement Mechanics
Stealth Mechanics
Time Manipulation
Interactions & Building
Dynamic Events
Extensive
Extensive
Extensive
Extensive
Extensive
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Minimal
Minimal
None
None
Extensive
Select the type of game you have
GAME ANALYSIS I Mechanics
3rd
3rd
Movement Mechanics
Stealth Mechanics
Time Manipulation
Interactions & Building
Dynamic Events
Dissect and find the games mechanics
Walk, Run, Dodge, Jump, Backflip, Punch, Sprint, Kick, Dive, Attack, Dig, Fly, Swim, Moving Objects, Climb, Slide, Roll, Teleportation, Crouch
Defense, Casting Spells, Healing, Disguise, Invisible, Silent, Hide, Regenerate
Cook, Read, Repair, Eat, Sell, Store, Clean, Trade, Upgrade, Farm
Enemy Spawn, Day-night Cycle, Natural Disasters, Seasonal Cycles
Extend, Shortened, Time-Travel, Pause, Rewind, Time Loops, Slowing, Fasten
GAME ANALYSIS I Mechanics
3rd
3rd
Movement Mechanics
Stealth Mechanics
Time Manipulation
Interactions & Building
Dynamic Events
Character Walks and Jumps over obstracles....
Character heals by collecting apples
Character can jump through time periods
Character interacts with his sister throughout the game
Character must surpass many stages where he fights enemies and survive environmental hazards
Example
GAME ANALYSIS I Mechanics
DELIVERABLES
BLOG POST (including images of the games and a completed table similar to the one seen in the previous slide)
Slide 2 : Theme/ Type + Plot + Characters + World
Slide 1 : Image + Game's Title
Slide 3 : Games Mechanics
Example Post
Crash Bandicoot
~15min
Prompt
Research, test, and analyze various types of video games to understand their themes, mechanics, and components. Use these insights to later design your own video game!
Instructions
Test Video Games:
Play a few games on CoSpaces to understand the potential of the tool. Explore different types of games such as platformers, puzzle games, adventure games, role-playing games, and strategy games.
- (Optional) Check the "Toolbox" tab if you wish to test a game through AR or VR
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Select a Game Type:
Choose a video game that you would like to research and analyze further. Focus on one that interests you the most and features game mechanics you’d like to incorporate into your own design.Analyze the Game:
Study the game’s theme, mechanics, and components in-depth. Use the provided template to break down the following:- Type/Theme: What is the concept of the game?
- Game Components: What are the key components (characters, environments, objects) that define the game world?
- Mechanics: Analyze the gameplay elements and rules. How do the mechanics work together? Focus on:
- Movement Mechanics: How does the character move? (e.g., running, jumping, flying, climbing)
- Stealth Mechanics: Are there stealth elements like hiding or sneaking past enemies?
- Time Manipulation: Does the game feature time-based mechanics, such as pausing, rewinding, or time-traveling?
- Interactions & Building: How do players interact with the world? Can they build or modify the environment (e.g., crafting, cooking)?
- Dynamic Events: Does the game feature random or scheduled events like day-night cycles, enemy spawn, or environmental hazards?
- Create a quick presentation to summarize your findings,.
Present & Build a Game Library:
Each student will present their slide deck to the class. This will contribute to a collective library of video game concepts and mechanics for the studio, showcasing diverse designs.
Deliverables
In the 'responses tab' -> Post a blog summarizing your analysis of a video game, covering its theme, game components/mechanics, and relevant images.
Time 2hrs
Materials PC, Paper, Makers, Pencils, and Cospaces account. Optional: Google Carboard and phone.