Fall+2009+Group+Project+1

__**Group Project Assignment 1 – Due Date: 10/13/2009 – READ CAREFULLY**__
If students have any questions or problems, they should ask me either in person or via email before the assignment is due.
 * __ASSIGNMENT__ – Students are to create a Table-Based Game.** A table based-game is any game that can be played while sitting around a table; such games include, but are not limited to, board games, card games, and dice games.

The purpose of this is project is to familiarize students with the process of game creation. Table games and other forms of games, such as video-games, share the same basic principles of rules, rewards, and penalties. Whether based in the physical world or the virtual world of video-games, there are certain principles which make a game engaging and fun to play. This project allows students to explore those principles while developing

__**GUIDELINES**__ **–** **A table-based game, as noted above, is any game that can be played while sitting around a table, without the need for any special computer programming or video screen** (NOTE: some table-games DO rely on a video screen or other device, such as the "Scene-It" board games; the assignment requirements here, however, would prohibit such a game, unless specifically approved by me). Examples of such table games include board games (like Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, etc.), card games (like poker, Uno, Pokemon, etc.), and dice games (like Dungeons and Dragons and other role-playing games).


 * Students must submit a typed description of their game on the same date that the game is due.** Descriptions should include all group members’ names, individual member responsibilities on the game, a detailed description of both the game concept and game play mechanics, and descriptions of any materials that are needed to play the game.


 * Students must also submit //__individual__// typed papers that describe, in detail, each group member’s contributions. EVERY student must turn on a separate paper describing the contribution of EVERY member of the group (this includes writing about and assessing your own contributions, in addition to writing about and evaluating other group members' contributions). ** These individual descriptions will not be read by anyone but me, and should thus be open and honest.

The final grades for the first group assignment will be a combination of the quality of the game itself, the typed description, and each students' individual contribution. Thus, the grade will be a result of shared grades (the game itself and the description) and individual grades (the student's own contribution to the game).

__Games__ __MUST abide by the following rules:__

 * 1) **All games must be able to be played at a table, without the use of any advanced technology.** All players should be able to participate and complete the game while sitting around the table, without the need of any kind of special controller or other input device. This is one of the most basic forms of gaming. Computers, television screens, and other electronic devices are not to be included in the game, unless there is a VERY good reason to do so (and ANY use of a computer, television, or electronic device MUST be approved by me).
 * 2) **Students must incorporate at least 2 human participants at any given time during the game (preferably more).** Games can have 2 players working together, 2 players working against each other, multiple players working on different teams, etc.
 * 3) **There must be a clear objective and method of winning the game, either via obtaining a specific goal or outscoring one’s opponents.** Winning should be objective, not subjective. In other words, the winner should be clear and concrete, not based on individual opinion.
 * 4) **Games can not be directly copied from an existing table-game (such as poker, Monopoly, etc.).** Games can obviously be similar to existing games, or use existing games as a jumping off point, but if existing games are used as a basis, there must be a significant change to rules, presentation, etc. If a group is unsure whether or not their idea qualifies as original, they should ask me immediately.
 * 5) **There is to be no unapproved physical interactions, and no physical violence whatsoever.** Certain table-games, specifically certain card games, may require physical interaction with another player (for example, there are certain games that require one player to slap another player's hand during play). This type of physical interaction is not allowed, though other, more gentle forms of physical interaction may be allowed (such as tapping another player's shoulder). If a student wishes to use ANY kind of physical interaction in their game, it MUST be approved.
 * 6) **Group members must have game-materials ready prior to the start of the game.** Materials include any item needed for the game play. This can include dice, game pieces, cards, game board, etc. Anything the game needs to be played, students must provide.
 * 7) **Game cards and game boards must be created by students****.** Simply put, students can not simply "borrow" materials from existing games and present them as their own. In other words, traditional playing cards (2-10, with face cards and aces) can not be used in games, nor can existing game-boards, like a standard monopoly board. Students must create their own materials, or significantly later materials from other sources. Pieces like dice can obviously be used from other sources, assuming they aren't identifiable as belonging to another game. Game pieces (such as tokens used to move across a board) may also only be used from other sources if they are unrecognizable as being from the other source and/or fit with the theme of the student games. Students should see me if they have any questions about whether or not their materials or acceptable.
 * 8) **Group members must all contribute to the project.** Being a group-assignment, it is vital that students work together within their group to create a successful project. Working within groups is a crucial part of most aspects of life (especially modern game-development). As such, students will be graded on a group-by-group basis. Individual members will also have different grades from other group members, dependent on group participation. Group members are responsible for motivating other group members. That being said, if there are ANY problems with group members, students should notify me immediately, so that a solution can be found. Complaining that a game was not completed (or not completed well) because of group members not working is not a valid excuse!


 * Any project which does not follow these rules will be marked down severely, potentially even receiving a 0.** Should students have any other questions regarding the project requirements, they should ask me as soon as possible.

__**GRADING**__ **–** Students will be evaluated on the creativity of the idea and the quality of the games implementation. If the idea is solid and can clearly be executed as a table-based game, students will not be marked down for the inability of other students to play their game well. However, if a game is deemed to be unplayable, or extremely difficult to play without confusion, the project grade will be severely marked down. **The game itself counts as 1/4 of the total project grade.**

As noted above, each group must submit a typed description of the game, giving details of the game concept and game play, a thorough explanation of the game's rules, and the game’s required materials. In addition to the experience and execution of the game, students will be graded based upon the clarity of the game description, how well thought-out the game is as described, and how closely the game actually followed the written concept. **The description counts as 1/4 of the total project grade.**

Every student in the class must also submit an individual written description of all of the group members’ contributions sand level of participation in the project. As stated earlier, these individual descriptions will only be read by myself, and should thus be open and honest. In addition to these descriptions, the individual participation grades will be determined, in part, by my own observations. **The individual participation towards the project counts as 1/2 of the total project grade.**

**All questions regarding the game rules or grading must be asked prior to the final submission date.**


 * __DUE DATES__** – Completed games are due on October 13, 2009. While it is unlikely that every game will be played on this date, **ALL GROUPS MUST TURN IN THEIR PAPERS (group project descriptions and individual participation assessments) ON OCTOBER 13, AND HAVE THEIR GAME READY TO BE PLAYED**. The two class periods that week (October 13 and 15) will be dedicated to playing students' games.

**Students will receive a 0 if they do not have their games ready on time.**


 * All students must submit a final description of their group project within the first five (5) minutes of the first class of the game week (beginning October 13).** Students may also email their final descriptions to me in an electronic format (such as Microsoft Word) __prior__ to the due date. **Only one game description needs to be submitted for each group.**

**Groups that do not turn in a final game description will receive a 0 on the group project.**

At the same time, students must submit individual typed papers describing group members’ participation on the group project. Once again, students may also email their individual descriptions to me in an electronic format (such as Microsoft Word) prior to the due date. **__Every student__ must submit an individual description of group members' contributions.**

**Any student who does not turn in a description of group members’ contributions will also receive a 0 on their project grade.**


 * All questions regarding group project guidelines or grading must be asked prior to the final submission date. **