Sathyrpunk

My writing on roleplay game design philosphy.

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 12:23:32 GMT

(Lengthy read.)

Social game design

An explaination of social infrastructure design philosphy.

Constructing the sandbox:

Roleplay is a more evolved component of a concept that has been around since the earliest days of childhood: Imagination. Our creative abbility put towards entertainment was the birth of fiction, movies, music, theatre, and gaming. Interactive entertainment is one of the most interesting products of this developement in human ingenuity.

It's the idea of simulation for relaxing the user and providing them with entertainment, rather than scientific study / research. Relieving stress while testing the user's skills in puzzle solving, hand / eye coordination and strategy. The gaming industry has come far from the early work of gaming past. Progressing from simple games like pacman or pong to complex experinces like Oblivion or Half-life 2. Storytelling has been a long standing component of games, now reaching a more critical place in the industry. New sequels are created to continue the story and experince of their predesscesors. Gaming has become an artform and a science. A blend of marketing, simulation, and storytelling to create products that engage the human mind and challenge numerous abbilities and skills of the average user.

Players have a tendancy to crave more, hence the requirement to quench their thirst for detailed fictional enviroments and entertaining gameplay challenges. The more games progress, the more complex the solution to this problem becomes. Players adapt to their enviroments quickly, squishing out every detail. Much like a book, every detail will be looked over and eventually become ancient history and well-known knowledge.

The Dynamic playground:

Games become more complex, from enemies that think for themselfs and calculate their own strategies and deep fictional settings and stories, to physically simulated objects coming into play and creating new challenges on their own. Blending these various new, dynamic elements together creates rich immersion for the player. However, these too will become extremely played out, eventually becoming predictiable to regular users. With the gaps between developement and release of new content, players become slightly agitated with their cravings for more gameplay and seek out tools to create their own content. This is known as modding or mapping. With generating their own content, players can produce their own gameplay without following developement of a possible sequel to the game.

However, these tools require a certain ammount of skill to produce quallity content which takes its own developement process. It is not a fluid method of dynamic user content creation. Integration on-the-fly is proving difficult to perform with these tools due to large filesizes and programming conflicts. The new concept of "do whatever" or, sandbox modifications like Garry's mod are beginning to change things a bit. Instead of recieving a finished game complete with linear storyline and campaign to play on. The game is designed around imagination. Instead of a developer making something cool for players to toy with, the players can do it themselfs using the physics or scripting language that comes with Garry's mod. This sandbox concept gives a much easier base to create new game-types from. Everything from melon racing to advanced roleplaying scripts used for managing servers full of players. The issue comes around with roleplaying scripts to be able to create dynamic storylines that appear somewhat flawless to players. This is difficult, as current technology cannot generate realistic real-time generated plotlines. Therefore it depends on the players to cooperate and write their own plots while organizing other players to participate.

Harnessing the power of social dynamics and conflict can easily generate realistic stories through the actions of players and the following consequences of those actions from the enviroment or other players. The idea is to create, or design a social enviroment which reacts to the actions of players and can be molded by the massive efforts of players working together. An example would be a civil war changing the balance of power on several servers, causing numerous social substructures to change, adapt, or collapse in the presence of the new player-lead regieme on said servers. The issue with static scripts and enviroments is that they become predictable and "boring" to players. They do not change according to the actions of players, or do so in a minimal and temporary sense. A player cannot start a movement that will literally affect the entire political or physical enviroment and atmosphere of the servers. According to a story, a player-made organization could "destroy" a city. However, in the coded reality of the game, such change has not been made and doing so would take substansial coordination and effort from both staff and players.

Distributing the information of this imagenary enviroment without any representation of it in the current game enviroment to multiple players is incredibly difficult to do. Especially with players constantly jumping into / out of the enviroment.

The idea behind this philosphy is that roleplaying games or simulations could take a new step in the direction away from hack and slash, gaining levels and items and moving on experince. An experince that harnesses the powerful social dynamics of modern society and puts them to play in a dynamic world that the players can impact, with a simplified version of content generation to expand the world for simple things, such as flashlights or new types of food. An experince that players can tailor and mold fluidly to their liking, rather than the liking of the designer. It is much easier to get players to forcibly cooperate with programmed code than it is with other players.

This kind of enviroment enables them to compete with eachother fluidly, instead of having to the fake the competition, cooperating to further the story as to not generate disputes that would break the continuity of the storyline.

Obligatory New years journal

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 14:43:13 GMT

While most people make a lot of New Years plans and somesuch. I really have found myself with not so much to do. And while this really doesn't bother me so much, it does kind of carry a hollow emotional tone to it, Y'know?

Then again, I'm sure quite a few of you are in the same position of just being at home. Not that I mind spending it with my family either. I must note that it would be nice, if not luxurious to spend it with someone else, or party it up. While part of the fun for some is getting all smashed up in parties on various alchohol beverages, usually said variable being a low-volume measurement glass (or several) of the classic beverage which we know as champagn, The desires within oneself to just gather with close friends and just have a good casual time on specific holidays like this can be overwhelming at times. Along with the desires to be with someone especially close or near.. Enough of that, however. The social aspect of things is quite thrilling and an experince many look forward to.

My best friends are totally r0xx0r, though. Lotsa fun tonight and stuff. nn;

Happy holidays and all that Jazz.

Sun, 25 Dec 2005 12:40:16 GMT

Refer to the title.

...

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:51:56 GMT

"digerati: persons knowledgeable about computers."

.. That's a word?

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 14:05:46 GMT

.. wow, someone who hasn't talked to me in months and that I REALLY missed just did.

that was unexpected.

Gfhgl.

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 22:30:40 GMT

Ever think it's a good idea to shower with long hair before you go to sleep?

It's not.

:D

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:24:32 GMT

I'd like to note that Smod for Half-life 2 is not only amazingly fun, absoloutely brilliant, and refreshing.

IT'S ALSO REALLY FUCKING HARD.

The helicopter vs boat sequence (starting at the docks) is INTENSE. Really, Just epic.
I could rant on and on about all that happened, but it's just too much.

I will say this, I ran into the warehouse filled with manhacks, metrocops, and combine soldiers. And got my health blasted to 16, and I had only finished the manhacks. I was still surrounded by atleast 10 troops or more. Using slowmo and accurate shots with some fast dodging, I managed to do it.

Now, I'm going to warn you, the Jeep vs Gunship sequence is just BRUTAL. Absoloutely brutal and ridiculously hard.

It just kept kicking my ass, over, and over.
Normally, it's set on the highway. Theres about 5 cars or so around the main 'arena' (a small section of the highway) which are physics objects. In the original campaign, you could use these for effective cover without worry. This time? The gunship's super-powerful machinegun not only turns you to swiss cheese, but sends any cars flying towards you. The only cover you get is a small van with a crate filled with rockets and a nearby wrecked semi-cab with some ammo and a healthkit.

This thing also shoots down your rockets if you don't time it right. You constantly have to use slow motion whenever the firing sequence starts up / your behind cars. Because otherwise you're toast. THEN You have to shoot your rocket just before it's firing sequence ends. This allows you to get it behind it and prevent the rocket from being shot down while you guide it in with the laser.

This thing takes SIX rockets to take down. Not an easy task when you're dodging cars and bullets, trying to keep your ammo at max and listening for your opening.
I finally shot it down. I walked over to it. Whipped out my crowbar.

And began beating the utter shit out of it.
Seriously, I just wailed on the massive hull with my crowbar, kicking it constantly as well. Until I sucessfully kicked it over the cliff and into the nearby coastal waters.

>:D

Go me!

Hee >.>

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 09:09:14 GMT

[02:22] Witch`King`of`Angmar: should i include Search with misc commands
[02:22] Witch`King`of`Angmar: or text file commands
[02:22] Gebohq: why is the Witch`King`of`Angmar in #teapot?
[02:23] Witch`King`of`Angmar: >.>
[02:23] Witch`King`of`Angmar: I was bored
[02:23] Gebohq: tired of slaying the Men of Gondor?
[02:23] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<(I came for your soul)
[02:24] Gebohq: but my soul doesn't taste good
[02:24] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<(I brought spices)

[02:25] Gebohq: it's not much of a soul either. pretty scrawny and small. besides, it's not mine
[02:26] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ..<(you dissappoint me)
[02:26] Gebohq: sorry
[02:27] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<(Can I interest you in a ring of power?)
[02:27] Gebohq: the others in #teapot have good souls though. I'd watch out for Ach though -- she might bring down your reign of terror
[02:27] Gebohq: oooooooo
[02:27] Gebohq: wait
[02:27] Gebohq: shouldn't you be giving that ring of power to your Master?
[02:28] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( No no, king #7 quit. We need a replacement)
[02:29] Gebohq: ah, it's not THE ring of power
[02:29] Gebohq: just A ring of power
[02:29] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( its a really shiney one)
[02:29] Gebohq: hrm, I dunno
[02:29] Gebohq: it *is* shiney, but it ain't gonna get me into ladies' lockerrooms
[02:29] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I have an etching tool if youd like me to etch a heart into it)
[02:30] Gebohq: hearts aren't my thing, but it may make for a good present for a lady to woo them over
[02:31] Gebohq: does it have a warranty?
[02:31] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Ive got a nice castle if youd like, you know... instead of the heart)
[02:31] Gebohq: a castle etched into the ring? o_O
[02:32] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Waterfront Property on the Sea of Nurnen)
[02:32] Gebohq: ah
[02:32] Gebohq: does it have indoor plumbing?
[02:33] Gebohq: and electricity? I need my Internet
[02:34] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Youll have to ask your landlord)
[02:36] Gebohq: I'll have to have someone refinance/appraise the castle before I could think of accepting
[02:36] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( *sigh*)
[02:36] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Alright)
[02:36] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Did I mention you get some nifty robes?)
[02:37] Gebohq: ooooo, I do love the robes
[02:37] Gebohq: they're very stylin'
[02:37] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( We only have black at the moment)
[02:37] Gebohq: I hear you get some pimpin' rides too
[02:38] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Yes yes, the Fell Beasts are quite nice)
[02:39] Gebohq: are they high matainence?
[02:39] Gebohq: and do they get good milage?
[02:40] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Nah, no matainence really. We have "people" for that)
[02:40] Gebohq: sweet threads AND rides
[02:40] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( You can go pretty far as well... just not out of middle earth)
[02:41] Gebohq: Middle Earth is quite an awesome place though
[02:41] Gebohq: do I need to fill out any paperwork to get a ring of power?
[02:41] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Nope)
[02:41] Gebohq: sweet
[02:42] Gebohq: I'll take it!
[02:42] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Can you scream incredibly high pitched though?)
[02:42] Gebohq: damnit
[02:42] Gebohq: I'm a baritone
[02:42] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Oh dear me.)
[02:43] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Ill send a voice coach over. We'll see if you improve)
[02:43] Gebohq: so I have to wait then? :(
[02:45] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Well you still need to check out the castle dont oyu?)
[02:45] Gebohq: true
[02:45] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Excuse me, i just had a bit of an evil cough there)
[02:45] Gebohq: perhaps you'd like a cough drop?
[02:46] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I'll pass, i prefer to let the evil do its thing)
[02:47] Gebohq: well, you should see a doctor if it persists
[02:47] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I appreciate the concern)
[02:48] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( *cough* *evil* *cough*)
[02:50] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( You know what, ill be right back. Im going to head to my chambers and look for my evil supressant)
[02:51] Gebohq: you know, it's a lot healthier to provide an outlet for that sort of thing. You suppress it, and it'll burst at the worst moment
[02:51] Gebohq: like when being reviewed by your Master
[02:52] * Witch`King`of`Angmar stumbles back into the room
[02:52] * Witch`King`of`Angmar looks about swiftly
[02:52] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I trip over these damned cloaks all the time)
[02:52] Gebohq: all in the name of evil fashion
[02:53] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Oh no, he likes the bursts of evil. He just doesnt like the bursts of Modern Expressionist painting.)
[02:54] Gebohq: that's arguably one of the most evil art forms of all
[02:54] Gebohq: only second to Post-Modern Interpretive Danec
[02:54] Gebohq: *Dance
[02:55] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Oh yes, it was only last year that #5 was nearly caught in the middle of his dance. Luckily for him Sauron had just poked himself in the eye)
[02:56] Gebohq: how fortunate. So why did King #7 quit anyway?
[02:57] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Moved to the deserts south of Gondor to pursue a career in Belly Dancing with a gypsy he met whilst we were stalking the night.)
[02:57] Gebohq: I take it he wasn't really dedicated to his job?
[02:59] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( He had his times.)
[02:59] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( But show him a little skin and he thinks shes going to marry him)
[02:59] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Just wait till she sees him, without that robe. YEESH. I dont think hes washed his armor in years)
[03:05] Gebohq: ick
[03:08] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Anyway Sir Gebohq of.... where are you from anyway?)
[03:08] Gebohq: Western Earth
[03:09] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Im not familiar with it, but it sounds smelly.)
[03:09] Gebohq: that's why I'm interested in Middle Earth real estate
[03:15] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( That is a good point. Its prime property. Some hobbits though)
[03:15] Gebohq: Damn hobbits.
[03:16] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I stay indifferent to them. They dont bother me... much)
[03:17] Gebohq: True. And they're not nearly as bad as elves.
[03:17] Gebohq: They're like the French
[03:17] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I know not of the French, but the name brings pain to my ears)
[03:18] Gebohq: I began to realize that no matter where you look, elves always think they're better than everyone else. Why people look up to these stuck up bastards is beyond me. Sure, they're smart... but if I lived for several hundred years before finishing my teen years I'd be smart too. There's only so many freaking books in the world. And their best traits are "hating everyone" and "losing wars until they join forces with other races"
[03:19] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( Hm, you do indeed seem like you may be a fine addition to the wraiths.)
[03:20] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I am looking forward to see how your vocal abilities improve)
[03:21] Gebohq: And I'm looking forward to stylin' threads, pimpin' rides, and impressing the ladies.
[03:21] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I will prepare these items for your arrival pending approval)
[03:21] Gebohq: :D
[03:21] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( But now, I must return to Minas Morgul)
[03:22] Witch`King`of`Angmar: ``<( I need to go find my rubber ducky)
[03:22] Gebohq: A'ight. Laters.
[03:23] * Witch`King`of`Angmar gets onto the Fell Beast. The beast slowly strides off, opens its wings and flies away into the darkness