For this project, the essential experience focuses on the impact of conflict. The aim is to design game ideas where players can actively explore conflict's many layers, from internal struggles to ideological clashes, each unfolding in unique and interactive ways. This exploration allows players to confront conflict head-on and also to understand its causes, effects and resolutions in a dynamic, engaging manner.

By experiencing conflict in a structured narrative, players can immerse themselves in the complexities of decision-making, empathy and moral ambiguity. The goal is to help players better understand conflict as a theme that shapes characters and stories, as well as their own perspectives.

Exercise I - Behaviours & Experiences

Today in class, we were given an exercise designed to help us think deeper about what we want our players to experience. It goes something like this:

We started by identifying the core emotions and reflections we hope to evoke in players and then break down each feeling into guiding questions and reflections. This approach helped us to analyse the ‘what’ of the experience and also the ‘why’ and ‘how’, pushing us to consider the impact of each design choice on the player’s journey. We were given a sentence to start:

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“I would like players to…”

• Feel Connected to the Story and Characters: Through interactions, players become emotionally invested in character motivations and choices.
• Explore Moral Ambiguity: As players face ethical dilemmas, they confront difficult questions about right and wrong.
• Choose wisely: Players can choose how they approach conflicts, affecting outcomes and relationships within the story.
• Self-Reflect: Allow players to reflect on how they personally handle conflict, creating a bridge between the game world and real-world perspectives. </aside>

Exercise II - Questions and Further Reflection

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Connection to Story and Characters - Questions & Reflections

Questions:

• What does it mean for players to feel truly connected to a character?
• How can I make character motivations and struggles feel relatable to the player?
• What emotions do I want the characters to evoke in players?

Reflections:

• Good dialogue and small, meaningful interactions can strengthen players' bonds with characters. Also internal dialogue helps get into characters’ minds.
• Connections deepen when players see both strengths and vulnerabilities in characters, mirroring real-life relationships. </aside>

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Moral Ambiguity - Questions & Reflections

Questions:

What are some situations where ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are difficult to define?

How do I convey that each choice has both positive and negative consequences? Why is moral ambiguity compelling and what feelings does it create in players?

Reflections:

Presenting conflicting perspectives and morally grey decisions can make players question their actions and motives.

Ambiguity encourages players to examine their values, especially if the game shows unintended outcomes from ‘good’ or ‘bad’ choices.

By leaving space for players to interpret actions, the game invites them to wrestle with their own ethical beliefs.

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Choosing Wisely - Questions & Reflections

Questions:

How can I make each choice meaningful without overwhelming players?

How will choices affect relationships and plot progression in a way that feels authentic?

What are the consequences of prioritizing one relationship or value over another?

Reflections:

Clear, yet complex choices force players to consider both short- and long-term consequences, enhancing emotional investment.

Small decisions with immediate feedback can make players feel that every choice shapes their experience.

Relationships with characters change dynamically based on choices, reinforcing the importance of player agency.

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Self-Reflection - Questions & Reflections

Questions:

How can I encourage players to reflect on their own motivations and actions in conflict situations?

What real-world conflicts mirror those in the game, creating a relatable basis for reflection?

How can I subtly guide players to examine how they balance personal goals with empathy for others?

Reflections:

Moments where the player’s actions contrast with their personal morals can create impactful self-reflection.

Characters could react with realistic consequences, giving players space to consider the emotional weight of conflict.

By making outcomes ambiguous, the game encourages players to find personal meaning in how they approach challenges.

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