1. LIFE: THE GAME
Jeannie Novak
Founder, Indiespace
Lead Author & Series Editor,
Game Development Essentials
2. GAME REVIEW
accessible and widely
accepted to date
believable characters
lasting appeal
challenge & variety
unusual design features
customization later
NPCs as early guides
“level treadmill”
player economy
career system
3. COMPONENTS OF PLAY
engagement
perceived control
entertainment
decision-making
social interaction
stealth education
emotional attachment
level of simulation
4. GAME ELEMENTS
gameplay (form /
structure / mechanics)
story (drama /
narrative)
character
interface
24. SUGGESTED READING
The Transparent Society (David Brin)
Total Recall (Gordon Bell et al.)
Life: The Movie (Neal Gabler)
CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (George Saunders)
Play as Life (http://playaslife.com)
Real Life Gamespot Review
(http://tinyurl.com/gufy)
AFTERTHOUGHTS?
jeannie@indiespace.com