Puzzling Narrative
In today’s narrative lecture, Sarah shared her experience working as a narrative and systems designer across different media, including video games, board games, and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The session focused on how storytelling approaches change depending on the medium and the level of control designers have over player experience.
She explained that video games offer greater flexibility due to technological systems and interactive narrative design, but designers still have limited control over player reactions and pacing. In contrast, board games rely more on fixed rules and player self-regulation, making them less adaptable once designed. TTRPGs, however, allow for a more dynamic narrative experience, as players and game masters collaboratively shape the story in real time.
Sarah also introduced several detective and mystery-based puzzle games as case studies, demonstrating how narrative information can be delivered through investigation, deduction, and player interpretation.
Continue Refinement
I’m continuing to work on the project, aiming to provide a complete and fluent game loop at this moment. I implemented the draggable items system for the feeding animal mechanic:
Team Reflection
Our team reflected on our collaboration process and identified several key takeaways.
What Went Well
Our team communication was strong and consistent, which helped everyone stay aligned throughout the project.
Task allocation was another positive aspect. Each team member worked in roles that suited their strengths, which made collaboration more efficient.
What Could Be Improved
However, some tools and systems we set up were not fully utilised. We also noticed that some team guidelines were not always followed, suggesting that communication around these guidelines could be clearer.
How to Improve
To improve our workflow, we plan to have more regular individual updates, either through short face-to-face discussions or a weekly progress document. This should help increase transparency and keep everyone better informed.
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