Six Million Dollar Game...

[14thWarrior]

We Have The Technology; We can Rebuild It.

I'm wondering what people think of the idea of starting threads to deconstruct submitted games and collaboratively rebuild them into something better.

I've been considering doing this with my Stained Glass submission, since I wasn't entirely satisfied with the result (and that was echoed by the reviews that were posted.

I'd love to break the game down into its components and get feedback on how to rebuild it; I'm just not sure if people would be interested in that kind of thread, or if it's even appropriate for this forum.

[kleenestar]

I've heard people talk about "Game Destroyer" threads; I suspect that's precisely the kind of thing that you mean. I have no idea how one gets one's game destroyed, though. Do any of the more experienced Chefs want to suggest what we might do?

For the record, I like where Decade is at, but I also feel that I could use outside help to push me to make it better. I know it's not done, but I'm not sure where to take it, and a little Destruction would be a very good thing for me.

Also for the record, 14thknight, if you start up some collaborative work on Stained Glass, I'd definitely participate.

Thanks!

[jmstar]

Definitely go look at the Game Destroyer threads from last year; that's what you want. Methodically raking each other's games over the coals to look for, illustrate, and address potential weaknesses and outright problems.

It was invaluable to me and I know Andy plans on starting that up at some point, hopefully soon. No reason you can't see how it worked last year and just start tearing into games. Just remember to be kind.

--Jason

[14thWarrior]

Well, I only found one Game Destroyer thread for last year's competition (), and it was all about finding the flaws in the games; not about finding fixes for those flaws. What I'm proposing is more than that. They'd be more like 'Fixing Leftovers' threads.

[Graham Walmsley]

[quote="14thWarrior"]Well, I only found one Game Destroyer thread for last year's competition (), and it was all about finding the flaws in the games]

Well, I'd be careful about fixing other people's games. Identifying potential flaws is very useful; collaboratively changing games might cause people to get defensive.

That said, it's worth a try. Why don't you pick someone who doesn't mind their game being taken apart and try it? Either PM the designer to check or, well, if you like, you can start with Euthymia.

Graham

[kleenestar]

I think this is more for designers who want collaborative design/brainstorming help, beyond what a simple review might provide. It's an opt-in, not an opt-out, if that makes sense. 14thknight asked for some help, so I've started a Game Therapist thread about Stained Glass; I suspect we'll also see Game Destroyer threads later on.

Of course, people may simply point us over toward the Forge, but I'm way more comfortable posting here in a smaller community, at least until I get to know people. That place is intimidating.

[Graham Walmsley]

[14thWarrior]

Just for the record, I love the term 'Game Therapist'.

And definitely, it'd be an opt-in sort of affair. I'd expect people to start Game Therapist threads for their own games. But with that said, I'm very happy that a Game Therapist thread has been started for Stained Glass; now without delay, I'm off to go check it out.

[Destriarch]

[14thWarrior]

Destriarch, I don't think you could possibly be any heavier a critic on Stained Glass than anyone else has been; so get your ass over to the thread already.