#teeganbishop

In this studio, we developed a storyboard for our idea. After Glen announced that we were presenting this project on Thursday, I think they all woke up to themselves and realized that we actually did need to do something. Kieron was absent again as he was in a car accident and had car problems, making him unable to attend the studio.

Dr Deb Polson spoke to us today on her game design projects. She showed passion as she spoke about her designs; she was fully immersed in her projects. She firstly spoke to us about her Zombie Apocalypse event. It involved players being stuck inside a building for 24 hours, whilst they simulated an apocalyptic scenario. Actors and zombie fanatics dressed up as zombies and tried to attack the “survivors”. The survivors had fully modified nerf guns to help them feel the part. Also, to help create this atmosphere, Deb controlled all access to doors, rooms and sound systems within the State library and the Edge.

She then spoke to us about the Scoot experience. She spoke to us about her motivation which were:

Capt’n Crunch

Blast Theory

Regenesis

LonelyGirl15

Geocaching

Pacmanhattan

She told us how she wanted to disrupt a public place to make someone feel more comfortable and ‘at home’ by using carnival traditions. Her main point throughout this segment was that you have to find something that draws them and connects them.

She then revealed the secret of game design, which was that you have to understand that a game that you have already made can be used for a template for another game. By doing this, you are saving time and making a greater profit without having to do the work again. The bottom line is, develop extremely robust and good databases and codes and reiterate!

Another point that Deb made was that you should never disregard a prototype and instead, should present every prototype because someone might see potential in something that you don't think has potential. More wise words from Deb revealed that you should use Flash for prototypes because it provides rapid and iterative prototyping and gives you access to API’s.

Mobile phones are the social cigarette… and we are addicted. Practically everyone has a mobile phone and if you don't have one you’re obscure and people look at you like you've grown a second head. It’s like someone saying “I don't have Facebook” – you barely hear it. Maybe we as designers should focus on appealing to individuals via the phone. Luckily for us, the app market is booming at the moment. YAY!

A presentation finishes and no one knows whether to clap or not… Then, someone starts to clap and then everyone follows. This is an example of an information cascade. This occurs when an individual assesses the actions of others and independently chooses the same option.

This mob mentality has a great effect on the success of some products. It only takes one or two negative reviews to completely invalidate your product. On the other hand, if someone rants and raves about your product and it gets distributed over many customers, then you have success.

Additionally, alongside with this mentality is the human instinct of competition. It is in our blood, whether we like it or not – we all have a competitive streak. When these two aspects combine, it has the power to make or break a product.

For example, Temple Run was an unknown app until word started spreading and millions started downloading. Such a simple game turned into an ordeal… but why? Well, everyone wanted to break a score above a million and beat everyone else. Of course, with the help of social media, people were able to broadcast their high scores and set new goals for people. Even I was guilty of participating in this healthy competition. Although, after a while a new app was discovered and Temple run was forgotten. It is just the way it goes. Everyone enjoys competition.

I thought they would pick up their act when the second project commenced but they have proven me wrong. I have not seen or heard from Veez ever since we presented. It was only just before he actually decided to apologise and briefly explain his absence.

At least Kieron explained his absence just before the studio as he had serious heart conditions which prevented him from being present at the studio. At least he put some effort in. Veez comforted him and even acknowledged that we had a meeting and yet still did not show up or explain why.

I feel that this is extremely unfair for the group as I know how Veez will react. As Jase, Ashley and I have been exploring ideas, our deadlines are nearing and so we cannot back track and they will need to just jump aboard. I know that Veez will want to restart for him but I'm afraid that we cannot afford to restart. I hope this project will be better. Give me strength!