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Questions and Answers
What are the key elements that should be included on the title page of a game outline?
What are the key elements that should be included on the title page of a game outline?
The title page should include the game title, intended game systems, target age of players, intended ESRB rating, and projected ship date.
In the character outline, what specific aspects of a character's backstory should be highlighted?
In the character outline, what specific aspects of a character's backstory should be highlighted?
The character's backstory should include how she ended up in her current situation and her personality type.
What essential questions should be answered in the gameplay section of a game outline?
What essential questions should be answered in the gameplay section of a game outline?
The gameplay section should address the genre of the game, how the sequence of play is presented, and whether there are multiple story chapters or levels.
What aspects of the game world need to be detailed in the outline?
What aspects of the game world need to be detailed in the outline?
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What should players first experience when they start the game, according to the game experience section?
What should players first experience when they start the game, according to the game experience section?
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What emotions or moods should your game evoke, and how do music and sound contribute to this atmosphere?
What emotions or moods should your game evoke, and how do music and sound contribute to this atmosphere?
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Define a game mechanic and give an example from your game. Why is this mechanic important for gameplay?
Define a game mechanic and give an example from your game. Why is this mechanic important for gameplay?
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What distinguishes hazards from mechanics in your game? Provide an example of a hazard.
What distinguishes hazards from mechanics in your game? Provide an example of a hazard.
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What type of collectibles exist in your game, and what benefits do they provide to players?
What type of collectibles exist in your game, and what benefits do they provide to players?
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Identify a unique enemy in your game and describe how players can overcome it.
Identify a unique enemy in your game and describe how players can overcome it.
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Study Notes
Game Design Study Notes
- The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization
- It enforces a rating system for software in the United States and Canada
- ESRB ratings also regulate advertising and online privacy principles
ESRB Ratings Details
- Everyone: Content is generally suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
- Everyone 10+: Content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.
- Teen: Content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language.
- Mature 17+: Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.
- Adults Only 18+: Content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content and/or gambling with real currency.
- Rating Pending: Not yet assigned a final ESRB rating. Appears in advertising, marketing, and promotional materials for a game expected to receive an ESRB rating.
Game Title Page Requirements
- Include the game title
- Specify intended game systems
- Indicate the target age of players
- State the intended ESRB rating
- Provide the projected ship date
Game Outline
- Game Story Summary: The story outline should be concise, a few paragraphs in length, including the beginning, middle, and end.
- Game Flow: Describe the game's action flow in detail.
Character Details
- Highlight key character specifics (age, sex, etc.) that enhance the character's portrayal.
- Avoid unnecessary details like blood type unless relevant to the game's design.
Game Questions
- Backstory: What is the character's past, how they got there?
- Personality Type: What is the character's personality type?
- Response to Challenges: How does the character react to challenges encountered in-game
- Signature Moves, Abilities, Weapons, Attacks: Does the character have special abilities, unique weapons, or signature moves?
- Visual Description: What does the character look like?
Gameplay
- Genre: What genre does the game fall into?
- Sequence of Play: How is the sequence of gameplay presented?
- Multiple Story Chapters/Levels: Is the game setup using story chapters or levels?
- Unique Scenarios: Are there cool game mechanics like driving while shooting or running from a large object?
Game World Elements
- List all environments mentioned in the game's story.
- Provide brief descriptions for each environment.
- State what music will be incorporated.
- Describe how locations in the game world are interconnected for players.
- Include a simple map or flowchart to show player navigation.
Game Experience Questions
- Initial Player View/Feel: What do players first see when they start the game?
- Mood/Emotion: What emotions or moods are players expected to experience during gameplay?
- Sound and Music: Explain how music and sound are used to enhance the game's feel.
- Cut-Scenes/Movies: Information regarding movies or cut-scenes.
Game Play Mechanics
- Mechanics: Explain game elements that players interact with. (Examples: moving platforms, opening doors)
- Hazards: Describe game mechanics that cause harm or death to players (e.g., electrocuted platforms, falling objects).
- Power Ups: Describe powerups that players can collect. (Examples: ammo, extra lives)
- Collectibles: Explain in-game items collected by players that do not have an immediate impact on gameplay.
Enemies
- Describe how enemies in the game use artificial intelligence to act.
- List the enemies found in the game world.
- Explain the unique attributes of enemy characters
- Detail how players overcome enemies.
Bonus Materials
- List any bonus materials or achievements included in the game encouraging repeated play.
- Discuss the game's multiplayer capability, including number of players, special multiplayer modes, map support, and any user-created content options.
Monetization
- Explain how the game utilizes a free-to-play system, where players can download the core game for free
- Explain how players can pay-to-extend their play with various options.
- Explain any options available to buy content to further enhance or improve the player’s experience or ensure victory
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Description
This quiz provides an in-depth look at the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and its rating system for video games. You will learn about the various rating categories, including 'Everyone', 'Teen', and 'Mature', designed to inform consumers about content suitability. Test your knowledge on the implications of these ratings on advertising and online privacy.
