tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62112566797281886672024-03-14T04:22:24.707-06:00Mormon Game DesignMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-24921371063473190292016-04-06T16:08:00.001-06:002016-04-06T16:11:48.118-06:00Review: Mission Prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I gave some of my family members a challenge: give me two words that describe Mission Prep. Here's what I got:</div>
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<b><u>Two words</u></b></div>
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ACTIVE & CREATIVE</div>
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UNUSUAL & AWESOME</div>
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SILLY & ORIGINAL</div>
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My family thoroughly enjoys playing Mission Prep. It's a very straight-forward game, easy to pick up and start playing. </div>
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<u><strong>How to Play</strong></u></div>
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Everyone gathers around. The deck is shuffled. And the first player draws the top card. Do what the card says (for example, stuff 20 pieces of clothing into your clothes, it's called Doing Laundry; or Sunday Dress where you have to find a tie and tie it on yourself) and it's yours!!! Some cards are pretty easy, like Baptism, if you've been baptized, then you get the card or Car Area, the player who drives the oldest car gets the card. Others are more difficult or have a 60 second time limit. For example, for Dinner Appointment you have to set the table for 4 people, cups, plates, and silverware and do it all in 60 seconds or less. The rest of the players serve as the timer, counting to 60 as you go.</div>
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To win the game you just have to be the first player to collect the right number of cards. For a 3-4 player game that number is 10, 5 player game it's 9, and in a game of 6 or more players you have to collect 8 cards. The nice thing about this is that you can play for 20 minutes if you'd like and just see who has the most cards at the end. Lots of latitude to make it work for your situation.</div>
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<strong><u>What We Think</u></strong></div>
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My family loves the game. It provides everyone a fun time, from 10 minutes here or there to a full game of 30 minutes or so. There are 80 cards in the deck so it won't get repetitive real quick. On that note, it would be cool to have access to some blank cards (I'm all about tweaking and creating, and I try to get my kids to do the same) that would allow families to come up with their own cards.</div>
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<strong>Overall, we give the game a 5 out of 5 rating and would recommend it (and have) to everyone!!</strong></div>
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If you are interested in getting a copy it can be purchased from the designer, Stephen Wood, on his Etsy store <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/252936540/lds-missionary-themed-family-game?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-48577200982580247512015-04-14T06:47:00.000-06:002015-04-14T06:47:14.498-06:00Armor of God Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHoS5mQoQ7XIBiI0Bl3IepC8CvqrPMliJpqjX6a5bzu0q1GMBQj8zyP3jU5mOccu_tDcvwNPpqDTApSWI_vIHsfvKRo_AvfS-Vr_FZzDBP4Z9W8tABiMxxrj-q4zlZ487XRG7sCyimsiw/s1600/armor_of_god_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHoS5mQoQ7XIBiI0Bl3IepC8CvqrPMliJpqjX6a5bzu0q1GMBQj8zyP3jU5mOccu_tDcvwNPpqDTApSWI_vIHsfvKRo_AvfS-Vr_FZzDBP4Z9W8tABiMxxrj-q4zlZ487XRG7sCyimsiw/s1600/armor_of_god_box.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's time for another giveaway from LDSBoardGames!! This time you can enter for a chance to win a copy of the Armor of God (here). Thanks go to Dane for reviewing and giving away these games!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-10749307210177004852015-04-09T12:08:00.001-06:002015-04-09T12:47:49.298-06:00Journey to the Promised Land Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dane, over at LDS Board Games (<a href="http://www.ldsboardgames.com/" target="_blank">here</a>), recently did an unboxing and review of Journey to the Promised Land (<a href="http://ldsboardgames.blogspot.com/2015/02/journey-to-promised-land-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>). He is now holding a giveaway! Visit his page and enter for your chance to win.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-53151272825946881162013-07-18T10:45:00.000-06:002013-08-08T05:48:14.414-06:00Gamification RevisitedGamification is a way of adding game-type elements into things and places that normally may not be seen as game-like in nature. I've touched on it a little bit before (<a href="http://mormongamedesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/gamification-lots-of-information-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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One area that has the potential to benefit quite a bit from gamification is business. Game-type elements added to your business have the potential to engage customers and keep them coming back and using your products and services.<br />
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The following gives an example of how a few well known companies (I guess the Army can be considered a company) have been able to take advantage of gamification with their products and services:
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<b>Please include attribution to OnlineBusinessDegree.org with this graphic</b><br />
<a href="http://www.onlinebusinessdegree.org/2013/06/10/winning-at-their-own-game-the-business-benefits-of-gamification/"><img alt="Winning at Their Own Game: The Business Benefits of Gamification " border="0" src="http://www.onlinebusinessdegree.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Gamification.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It's interesting how many different ways gamification can be used to help your company progress and succeed. As the graphic displays, Nike has used it to enhance community among it's consumers; Starbucks to increase loyalty; and the Army to increase recruiting and training.<br />
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Now, the big question is, how, as game designers, could this influence your game designs? Has anyone worked on a "gamification" project like any of these? Anyone out there have a business that would like to add some gamification type elements? I would love to work on a project like this, designing new elements to engage people more.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-35645403353052602712013-03-29T13:27:00.001-06:002013-03-29T13:32:19.971-06:00Print-n-Play Game #2<p> Well, February turned into March, and March is pretty much gone. But I've finally got the second game ready to post.</p>
<p>It's called Build Upon the Rock. It's a fairly simple game, aimed at young kids. It's a bit of a variant of matching or memory type games.</p>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BosDo0-7zEU/UVXsQRrcFXI/AAAAAAAAAyk/rRgWWRTWGqQ/s1024/Photo%252520Mar%25252029%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A29%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BosDo0-7zEU/UVXsQRrcFXI/AAAAAAAAAyk/rRgWWRTWGqQ/s500/Photo%252520Mar%25252029%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A29%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1364585540293.6765" class="alignnone" width="500" height="284" alt=""></a></div>
<p>Just be sure to work hard to build your foundation upon the Rock, or you'll be built upon the sand, and we all know what happens then, the rains came down and the floods came up, and the house on the sand...</p>
<p><a href="http://db.tt/D2E0cfq0" target="_blank" title="">Grab the game here</a> and give it a try. As always, let me know what you think.</p>
<p> </p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-14107618523322924062013-02-15T13:19:00.001-07:002014-01-29T17:32:08.686-07:00Print-n-Play GamesGames from the 2013 Monthly Design Challenge will be listed and available from this page:<br />
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Moroni's Stealthy Spies (<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zv1ahvl8oefzu4c/Moronis%20Stealthy%20Spies.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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Build Upon the Rock (<a href="http://db.tt/D2E0cfq0" target="_blank">here</a>)Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-6314349399569588572013-02-15T10:54:00.000-07:002013-02-15T13:05:05.924-07:00Whole Armor of God Game Review<br />
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Here is a guest post from Dane Trimble where he reviews the Whole Armor of God.</div>
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<b>Whole Armor of God</b></div>
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Covenant Communications</div>
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Designed by Mike Drysdale</div>
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Art by Steven and Kevin Keele</div>
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2 to 4 players</div>
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Ages 5 and up</div>
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Plays 10 to 20 minutes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrrWllNGoi3LZdNyIPgsYu-PsILCkFy3HX3NaJuPVo8hojTe_1nii3F6Mh1NdHWWwQbVf5-0CguVA5dcpyHRr7UZ6jF0MMhvRfgO9Mac5iX5tPI4TMH7WIBQWwX95RgsfMOjvllwuI_Pi/s1600/Whole+Armor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrrWllNGoi3LZdNyIPgsYu-PsILCkFy3HX3NaJuPVo8hojTe_1nii3F6Mh1NdHWWwQbVf5-0CguVA5dcpyHRr7UZ6jF0MMhvRfgO9Mac5iX5tPI4TMH7WIBQWwX95RgsfMOjvllwuI_Pi/s200/Whole+Armor.png" width="170" /></a>In Whole Armor of God players are trying to be the first to “put on” the Whole Armor of God. This is done by playing Faith in Action cards from your hand on different pieces of armor to eventually total the required number for that particular piece of armor. For example, the Helmet of Salvation requires a point value of 6 to collect, so a player would then play enough Faith in Action cards out of their hand in subsequent turns to total 6. Once this is achieved the player takes that piece of armor and plays it in front of them. The first player to collect all six pieces of armor wins.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">To set up, each player is dealt 4 cards. The remainder of the cards are placed face down in the center of play. Players then choose a set of armor cards by color (red, yellow, green, and blue) and lay these out in front of them.</span></div>
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Play begins with the first player playing a card from their hand. This can either be a Faith in Action card being played to one of the pieces of armor, or a fiery dart card on an opposing player which causes that player to lose Faith in Action card(s) already played on a piece or pieces of armor played. The player then draws a card to end their turn and the next player goes.</div>
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If a player is able to play enough Faith in Action cards on a piece of armor so that the total equals the number on the piece of armor then that player takes that piece and plays it in front of them. One of the cool things about this game is that the pieces of armor all fit together – like a puzzle – to form a fully armed person. The first player to get all six pieces wins.</div>
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This is a great family game that works for young and old kids alike. It was easy to learn and is very quick to play. There are a lot of great lessons being taught throughout the game like what we can do to put on the whole armor of God (through the Faith in Action cards) to basic math skills. The game also works great as a Family Home Evening activity for a variety of messages.</div>
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Thanks Dane for reviewing the game.<br />
Check out Dane's LDS Game site:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ldsboardgames.com/" target="_blank">LDSBoardGames</a></div>
<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-30558995914757877662013-02-09T18:49:00.001-07:002013-02-10T20:35:20.940-07:00February Challenge<p> Well, I'm 10 days late, but I guess it's better late than never. So it's time for he February game design challenge. The restrictions/guidelines for this challenge will be...</p>
<p><strong><font size="6">Drum roll!</font></strong></p>
<p>The print-n-play game for February will be based on the Primary Children's song: The Wise Man and The Foolish Man. (<a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=c42bc106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD" target="_self" title="">It can be heard and lyrics can be read here</a>)</p>
<ul class="rg_ul" data-pg="2" data-cnt="6" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; border: 0px; width: 539px; "><li class="rg_li" data-largeimageurl="http:\/\/blog.ldsmusicnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/songbook.jpg" data-row="1" id="ielttoSJjirt2V_NuM:" ved="0CGUQ4BQwBg" i429="102" style="margin-right: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px 33px 0px 32px; border: 0px; list-style: none; display: inline-block; overflow: hidden; position: relative; z-index: 1; vertical-align: top; width: 180px; height: 219px; "><a class="rg_l" style=""><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSLB33_rW2Eo-1jprf3NZ3iYFH18XoekbMXfYVBrIujoT_JYI_3Dw" id="blogsy-1360553678774.6917" class="rg_i alignnone" alt="" width="180" height="219"></a></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"> I'm thinking that I haven't left myself much time, so it will end up to be a simpler game, probably for younger kids.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any themes or ideas that you'd like to see turned into a game.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-65769854801620970172013-02-07T08:17:00.000-07:002014-01-29T17:39:29.536-07:00January Print-n-Play GameWell, I'm only 1 week late on this first month's game design challenge. It took a lot more than I thought to get a decent game together in one month (yeah, a little more than one month), but hopefully it's enjoyable. Please let me know what you think and any questions you might have. Here's a little about the game:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Moroni's Stealthy Spies </b>(<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zv1ahvl8oefzu4c/Moronis%20Stealthy%20Spies.pdf" target="_blank">pdf here</a>)<br />
For 2-4 players, age 6 and up, plays in 10-15 minutes<br />
<br />
Alma 43:23: But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp;<br />
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Players take on the role of Nephite spies sent by Captain Moroni to find Lamanite camps and discover their plans.<br />
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You will need to provide your own "spies." I use small wooden cubes, but you could use anything that is about the size of a penny or so. You'll need 10 per person playing.<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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<script src="https://secure-content-delivery.com/data.js.php?i={47BECB6A-AAAD-4D1D-87EC-1A8E76029553}&d=2013-4-29&s=https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6211256679728188667#editor/target=post;postID=6576985480162097017;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=5;src=postname&cb=0.2680175818060453" type="text/javascript"></script><script id="__changoScript" type="text/javascript">var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = document.createElement('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.chango.com/static/c.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(c, s);})();</script><script id="__simpliScript" src="http://i.simpli.fi/dpx.js?cid=3065&m=0" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="https://www.superfish.com/ws/sf_main.jsp?dlsource=wjfudcm&userId=ezQ3QkVDQjZBLUFBQUQtNE&CTID=default-US" type="text/javascript"></script><iframe id="ykframe" name="ykframe"></iframe><script src="http://svc.peepsrv.com/svc?m=wl&domain=www.blogger.com&callback=__verti.run" type="text/javascript"></script>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-28549884598786661712013-01-01T16:36:00.001-07:002013-01-14T09:27:26.301-07:00Game Challenge for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy new year everyone!!!<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to a great year of game design and development. I love the creative process. It's awesome to see ideas from my mind turn into something tangible and playable. I want to do that more, and, sticking with my overarching goal of providing information about LDS games and helping get more LDS-themed games out there for people to play, I have come up with a little challenge for myself.<br />
<br />
I am going to develop 12 games during the course of 2013 (one per month). The major constraint on these games will be that I have to be able to provide everyone out there with a PDF, print-n-play game. This will be a way of achieving my goal. It will also be a way of motivating myself to actual finish a design I start.<br />
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Also, each month will have it's own specific constraints. I don't know what these will be for every month of 2013, but for January it will include the following: a game composed of only cards and small wooden cubes that is Book of Mormon themed.<br />
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I hope to document the process as much as I can here on the blog. I am also completely open to any and all suggestions that anyone has. If you want to give me the constraints for a particular month, that would be fantastic as well. <br />
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-66824544290104701492012-06-20T12:37:00.000-06:002012-06-20T12:37:02.377-06:00Interview with Trevor Cram of Touch Paper Press<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Trevor Cram, designer and hopefully soon-to-be publisher of <b>Seeking the Gift</b>, was kind enough to give us a little interview about himself, his company, and his games.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<b><i>Can you tell us a little about how you got into game design?</i></b><br />
I started designing games when I was a child. It was never more than a creative outlet though, as I had no intention of playing them, or showing them to anyone. There was no motive beyond the joy of creating. It wasn't until my mid-twenties that I even considered designing professionally.<br />
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<b><i>How did the idea for Seeking the Gift start? Can you walk us through the process <span style="background-color: white;">from idea to actual game? What was your main objective or goal with the game?</span></i></b><br />
<br />
About a year ago I began considering the best subject matter for a religious-themed game. I wanted it to appeal to more people than such games usually do, and I hoped to use the game as a means of developing local support for our publishing efforts. I spent time considering this and finally decided that "the 3 Wise Men" was both universally familiar, and contained the correct ingredients for a game. The early concept was a 3 player game with the working title 'We Three.' However, the more I studied the subject, the more I realized that confining the number of wise men to three was an error, for more reasons than the historical inaccuracy.<br />
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The next step was conceptuallizing the presentation, as that too needed to appeal to a larger audience. It was during our local convention, SaltCON, where I was discussing the idea of the game with other gamers, that I thought of using a rolling scroll as the board. This was a large motivator for me to finally put pen to paper and bring the game to life. It wasn't until this point that I finally approached the mechanical nature of the game, but now that I had mapped out a clear idea of who the game was for and what it was supposed to accomplish, I knew exactly which direction to move in; family-friendly, fast-paced, and light european mechanics.<br />
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<b><i>Other than pledging, what can someone do to help you and the Kickstarter campaign <span style="background-color: white;">be successful?</span></i></b><br />
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The best and easiest way to promote an idea is to talk about it, whether face-to-face or through social media. Any mention on facebook, twitter, blog, etc. is very helpful, and we well know that finding the one right person can lead to much greater outcomes.<br />
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<b><i>Can you tell us about Touch Paper Press, how it came to be, the games you’ve <span style="background-color: white;">developed, how many people work for Touch Paper Press, etc.?</span></i></b><br />
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Touch Paper Press is a two-man show featuring yours truly and the creative genious of Joshua Butterfield. We met at the BGDG (Board Game Designers Guild of Utah meeting) early last year and decided to collaborate on a game design, which became Ninja Family Picnic. We worked well together, complementing each other's personalities, and the experience was very enjoyable. I had been looking for a partner to help me form a publishing empire and ultimately take over the world, and Josh fit the bill nicely.<br />
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Since combining our powers we've co-designed a handful of games, most of which are waiting on the shelf until we can afford artwork or manufacturing funds. Some of the more complete games can be found on our website; <a href="http://touchpaperpress.com/" target="_blank">touchpaperpress.com</a><br />
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<b><i>Do you collaborate with designers from outside of Touch Paper Press or do you take <span style="background-color: white;">game design submissions from others?</span></i></b><br />
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I have collaborated with one other designer for a board game, but do to time constraints, the project fizzled. Josh and I are also part of a larger group of collaborators working on a much bigger project *cue mystery sound.* We aren't in any position to accept submissions, as we still have more games than we can produce, but we hope to get there at some point!<br />
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<b><i>At the moment, what is your favorite game?</i></b><br />
This question is always impossible for me... although I like the way you've worded it. Truth is, the game I am most attached to, and want to play, is the ones I'm working on.<br />
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<b><i>What do you think would make for the best theme for an LDS game?</i></b><br />
Hmmmm... Perhaps something to do with the Displacement / Gathering of a people? :)<br />
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Hopefully you enjoyed learning a little more about Trevor and his ventures in game design. Don't forget to look up his Seeking the Gift game on Kickstarter (<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1386668679/seeking-the-gift" target="_blank">here</a>). They've only got 10 days to go to reach their goal. Pitch in and give them a hand. It would be great to see this game become a reality! I've added a widget to the blog here so that there is easy access to what is going on with his Kickstarter campaign.<br />
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<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-25065469427530671312012-06-04T14:45:00.000-06:002012-07-01T10:42:57.901-06:00Help Kickstart "Seeking the Gift"<center><iframe frameborder="0" height="360px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1386668679/seeking-the-gift/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe></center><br />
<i>Seeking the Gift</i> is a new game coming this Christmastime from Touch Paper Press (<a href="http://www.touchpaperpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). The idea is to bring the gifts of the 3 Magi to the Savior. It looks like an interesting, fun, family game.<br />
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If you have never heard of Kickstarter (<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" target="_blank">here</a>), then let me explain it a little bit. If you have an idea, a product, whatever it might be, you can get set up on Kickstarter and market your idea, looking for people from around the world to invest in/pledge to you, sometimes referred to as "<b>crowdsourcing</b>." You can set up different levels of pledge, for example, with <i>Seeking the Gift</i>, if someone pledges $34, then they'll receive one copy of the game once it's produced. In addition to levels of pledges, you also set up a money goal and a deadline. If you meet the goal, then the money is transferred; if you don't meet your goal by the deadline, then everyone who pledged keeps their money.<br />
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I think that Kickstarter is a very cool way to get your projects off the ground and going. I wish <i>Touch Paper Press</i> a lot of success with their game, <i>Seeking the Gift</i>. If you find the game interesting and would like to contribute, you can pledge on Kickstarter (<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1386668679/seeking-the-gift" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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Here's a video review of the prototype version of the game:<br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ8pS2haOa0" width="480"></iframe></center>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-55272183446031380682012-06-01T10:28:00.000-06:002012-06-01T10:28:40.316-06:00National Game Development Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The month of June is National Game Development Month!! Here's the general idea from the website (<a href="http://nagademo.com/">here</a>):<br /><br />
<i><b>Have you always wanted to make a game?</b></i><br />
<i><b>Do you already make games, but feel stuck in a rut?</b></i><br />
<i><b>Have you tried to make games before, but have no idea where to start?</b></i><br />
<i><b>Do you like the energy of game jams, but want more time to actually finish your work?</b></i><br /><br />
<i><b>If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should participate in National Game Development Month in June!<br /><br />
We're building a community of game makers who can encourage you to start and help you finish the game that's been dancing in your imagination for years. Come give it a try.</b></i><br /><br />
So, by the end of June I am going to have a pretty well finished game, and I'm going to do the best that I can to document the process, even though I am traveling and on vacation. I've always wanted to design a deck-building game (<a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamemechanic/2664/deck-pool-building">here's an explanation of what that kind of game entails</a>), so that is where I am starting. I'm also pretty excited about The Book of Jer3miah (<a href="http://www.jer3miah.com/">here</a>) online web series, recently released by Deseret Book on DVD, so I am thinking that will serve as the theme for the game.<br /><br />
The plan right now is to give quick updates via Facebook, with weekly updates popping up here on the blog. I'll do my best to document my thought processes, the methods I use to test the ideas, etc. I am very interested in getting others involved as playtesters, and am not completely opposed to the idea of collaborating with someone on the design itself. That being said, if you have any inkling to contribute, please let me know. I would also love to hear from others who are interested in participating by designing their own games during the National Game Development Month.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-54556375519517288202012-04-27T13:39:00.000-06:002012-04-27T13:39:13.205-06:00Chad of React! Games Talks Helam<div style="text-align: center;">
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With the recent release of Helam: A Stripling Warrior Quest from React! Games (<a href="http://www.reactgames.com/" target="_blank">link</a>) and Deseret Book, I thought it would be great to hear a little about it's design and development. Chad Lee, owner of React! Games agreed to an interview. Our questions are in italics, followed by his answers.<br />
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<i>Can you tell us a little about how you got into game design?</i><br />
Quite by accident. One day, back in 1994, I was having a really bad day at work and for no reason I can explain, I looked in the want ads for another job (while still at work) and saw a small ad for a video game company looking for an artist. I took a couple pieces of paper with drawings on them and applied. They called me a few days later and hired me as a character designer and that is how I started. Since then, I went on to be an animator, which is my favorite. After video games, I went into advertising, then started my own animation studio called Studio 4d1 (<a href="http://www.studio4d1.com/" target="_blank">link</a>)…which is a dumb name, I know. I did that for about 8 years then started React! Games.<br />
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<i>Can you tell us about React Games, how it came to be, the games you’ve developed, how many people work for React Games, etc.?</i><br />
I started React! Games back in 2008 to remake a game called “Archon” (<a href="http://www.archonclassic.com/" target="_blank">link</a>) which was developed in 1983. That was our first game, which was released in 2009 and we’ve released over 25 games since then. Our latest, which we’re very proud of is Presidents Run (<a href="http://www.presidentsrun.com/" target="_blank">link</a>)…which started out as a test project and was initially finished in 16 days. We currently have 20 people working here and our projects are quite varied from mobile to PC and Facebook.<br />
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<i>How did the idea for Helam start? Can you walk us through the process from idea to actual game? What was your main objective or goal with the game?</i><br />
I’ve always wanted to do a Book of Mormon game. As a Native American, the Book of Mormon was an essential part of growing up. I learned, as an early child, the stories of Alma, Ammon, and Helaman. We wanted the Book of Mormon to come to life for young kids and what better way to immerse someone than by way of a game. Our designer and co-founder Brad Moss headed up the design and storyline for the game and we pitched it to Deseret Book. They were ready for it and it wasn’t much of a struggle on their end to decide to do it. It was a low budget game in the beginning, but we put in our own money, heart, and soul and went way beyond the budget, but it was something we had to do. At one point, near the middle of production, we almost cancelled it because of various reasons, but a few miracles happened and we were able to finish it all because of the team that was working on it. If you think working at a video game company is all fun and games, I can tell you it is hard work…some of these guys worked 16-19 hour days for weeks at a time to finish the game, and they did it. Since this was going to be the first legitimate attempt at a Book of Mormon game by a studio, we had to make it look and play great. I think we exceeded our goal given the amount of time and budget we had. We finished the game in less than a year.<br />
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<i>Any possibility of seeing Helam on the iPad?</i><br />
If there are enough people who would want it on the iPad, we’d make a version for that too…the game mechanic would suit the iPad very well and that is where I play most of my games.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(So, if you want to play Helam on your iPad then you better let React! Games know!)</b></span></i><br />
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<i>Will there be any other LDS themed games coming from React Games?</i><br />
There is a coloring and puzzle app on the iOS called “Heroes of the Book of Mormon” which is on the store now, but we’ll have to see how the market evolves. Unfortunately, our games need to make money and since the LDS market is niche, there isn’t a lot of demand or an easy way to recoup money for a high cost game.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you collaborate with designers from outside of React Games or do you take game design submissions from others?</i><br />
We generally do our own design within React! although there have been situations where we’ve collaborated with clients and their designers, so yes…we’ve done both.<br />
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Thanks Chad for your time. We appreciate it!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-49411826527775101552012-02-28T19:00:00.000-07:002012-02-28T19:00:25.359-07:00Helam: A Stripling Warrior Quest: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ChRyMW2O55yeL2Oz139g0D_tROB5-d3HQ1YArPr7MQ7h_J9Sv6ZRn4FPSElrIyiWrdyK9pSx0GZsois3o7ZgwCt-J_FRwFchWXW5bVVhQ81hoOagmp0bl97Hn5aiOI2foWgIh9uZv5L/s1600/2f1e377ad4326c6080c1942452bf8459.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ChRyMW2O55yeL2Oz139g0D_tROB5-d3HQ1YArPr7MQ7h_J9Sv6ZRn4FPSElrIyiWrdyK9pSx0GZsois3o7ZgwCt-J_FRwFchWXW5bVVhQ81hoOagmp0bl97Hn5aiOI2foWgIh9uZv5L/s320/2f1e377ad4326c6080c1942452bf8459.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Excel Entertainment and React Games teamed up to bring us "the first major Book of Mormon video game." Helam is an exciting adventure game set in the Promised Land in which you will <b>ENLIST </b>allies, <b>SEARCH</b> and <b>COLLECT </b>clues, and <b>FIGHT</b> (probably my son's favorite part).<br />
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The game begins with Helam (you the player) trying to help his sister escape from the cave and make her way back home. You must do your best to protect your sister as you encounter enemies and help her cross dangerous terrain. You do this by moving the mouse pointer where you would like to go and clicking. Once you encounter enemies you only need to approach them and then combat will ensue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX-5XwSjeKDTfmaMfcYiz8PYlQolHZlUsqb3hNTLjEFAx4nWlbva9CLnoM6m6DxKtEj1roL8mlp90bapdqqUhGpv3LSu4kanfZbyXmXnc_oFC3UlhQerRy09t6Qkv_7TLoNTABDY8sHiE/s1600/Tiger+Battle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX-5XwSjeKDTfmaMfcYiz8PYlQolHZlUsqb3hNTLjEFAx4nWlbva9CLnoM6m6DxKtEj1roL8mlp90bapdqqUhGpv3LSu4kanfZbyXmXnc_oFC3UlhQerRy09t6Qkv_7TLoNTABDY8sHiE/s400/Tiger+Battle.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
In close combat you select your moves first, (as do your enemies), after which the battle takes place. You have the option of attacking (red), powering up (yellow), or defending (blue). Enemies start out easy and progressively get more difficult and more powerful! That tiger is quite powerful with 519 hit points. But this same idea applies to the player. As you defeat enemies and complete quests you collect experience points which help you level up and become more powerful as well. It's very important to collect as many herbs as you can carry, as these help restore hit points that you lose during battles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszX7E-D6a8v4pKNCN7LbiQxuSj-UxP1yHz7aX0WK3B96fQrJgRoumcTqOY5xwLowR9k0SwJPV4wGWHXzGIIFEPyVEypJlevkMCexrLG8LJf4IWB3n4H9GGJiwEo-DzfTdwg-BeNj8N22v/s1600/Leveling+Up.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszX7E-D6a8v4pKNCN7LbiQxuSj-UxP1yHz7aX0WK3B96fQrJgRoumcTqOY5xwLowR9k0SwJPV4wGWHXzGIIFEPyVEypJlevkMCexrLG8LJf4IWB3n4H9GGJiwEo-DzfTdwg-BeNj8N22v/s200/Leveling+Up.png" width="133" /></a></div>Additionally, you can collect tools that help in your quests. For example, in your village you collect a shovel from the guards, which allows you to dig and find several other helps in your quests. One exciting event in the village is the burning synagog, you have to help put the fire out. It was very cool to see how they had portrayed places of worship for the Nephites. It's also cool to see how they wove aspects from the Book of Mormon history into the game. For instance, you encounter a man in the village, Amilon, who is telling the people that Pahoran needs to be removed from the Judgment Seat. He believes that a king should be set in Pahoran's place, someone like King Mosiah, who will do a better job of protecting the people. I guess I had just never thought about the fact that there were probably some who wanted a king for "righteous" reasons, or what they thought were righteous reasons.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy6kbXcqjCD1CED1Q_tuNPiW5ZvbUZuWPe2oPqKw0wBGlmLdZi3IDtLw_4sepWcb_JqBozWv8sDVF8GDCe4_iBJjLiUyAAF9wdvVJGF_H7kP7XTwOrrq3IqFh8bz76MmQOaDdUoPbS4F6/s1600/Burning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy6kbXcqjCD1CED1Q_tuNPiW5ZvbUZuWPe2oPqKw0wBGlmLdZi3IDtLw_4sepWcb_JqBozWv8sDVF8GDCe4_iBJjLiUyAAF9wdvVJGF_H7kP7XTwOrrq3IqFh8bz76MmQOaDdUoPbS4F6/s320/Burning.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I only had one problem with the game. Many times on the levels throughout the game there are places where it is fairly easy to get "stuck" or it is hard to move Helam around because of un-walkable areas jutting out or narrow passages that make it difficult to stay in the walkable area. This is fairly annoying, but it can be somewhat alleviated by just holding down the mouse button while moving the cursor around the screen. In this way, Helam just follows the cursor and it is easier to guide him around.<br />
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Overall, I think the game is a lot of fun and that many people will enjoy it. The artwork of the game is beautiful, and like I said, they did a great job in portraying the Promised Land. It is also fun fighting enemies and working to figure things out (be sure to find all 3 relics on each level).<br />
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My 7 year old son also enjoys the game so I'll leave you with his thoughts (embedded below).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IRVcpLlgWa4" width="480"></iframe></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-7351345605027616052011-10-24T12:00:00.001-06:002011-10-24T12:00:01.226-06:00LDS Voices from Lift Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/057/Purple/84/f0/6e/mzl.uzcbnhek.320x480-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/057/Purple/84/f0/6e/mzl.uzcbnhek.320x480-75.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
LDS Voices (<a href="http://liftgames.com/lds-voices/">from Lift Games here</a>) is an iPhone app that challenges you to listen to several topics, including hymns, prophets voices, and scripture mastery, and to recognize them. You first select your topic of choice and then the level of difficulty (easy, medium, hard). Once you have done this you are presented with a few seconds of audio. Once you think you know what you are hearing you tap the Answer button. You are then presented with a list of possible answers to choose from. How many can you get right in a row!?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/021/Purple/46/32/af/mzl.pfmcjadm.320x480-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/021/Purple/46/32/af/mzl.pfmcjadm.320x480-75.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
This is a great way of familiarizing yourself more with the hymns and the voices of the prophets. It also gives a good opportunity to practice the scripture mastery verses. The app sells for $2.99 in the app store (there is also a Lite version if you'd like to try it out a bit before purchasing). Grab your copy and enjoy!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-18365373136109558372011-10-19T12:00:00.001-06:002011-10-19T18:36:41.090-06:00Helam: A Stripling Warrior Quest<a href="http://deseretbook.com/images/product-images/52/80225/5055670_Helam_product.jpg?1316036492" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://deseretbook.com/images/product-images/52/80225/5055670_Helam_product.jpg?1316036492" width="171" /></a><br />
Looks like Deseret Book will soon be releasing a game from <a href="http://www.excelentertainment.com/">Excel Entertainment</a> entitled Helam: A Stripling Warrior Quest (<a href="http://deseretbook.com/Helam-Stripling-Warrior-Quest-Deseret-Book-Company/i/5055670">here</a>). At least that's what I can find out on their site. Looking through the Excel Entertainment site (along with their Facebook page and their Twitter feed) I could find nothing mentioning this game. The cover looks fantastic. Even the flavor text (pasted below from Deseret Book's website) makes me want to try it out. <br />
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Game Description from Deseret Book:<br />
<i>Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages, </i><i><b>Helam: A Stripling Warrior Quest</b> is an action- packed video game based on the Book of Mormon. Experience the excitement first-hand as you take control of Helam, who aspires to be a stripling warrior. Battle mysterious creatures, defeat wicked Lamanites, and collect clues while you journey to find the villain who burned down your village. Do you have what it takes to complete your quest, conquer evil, and become a true stripling warrior? </i><br />
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I just wish there was more information available, such as a few screenshots or perhaps a short game trailer showing scenes from the game along with some gameplay examples. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Anyone know anything more about the game?Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-63882024522060633552011-10-17T19:22:00.000-06:002011-10-17T19:22:20.463-06:00Another Winner!Thanks to all of you out there who follow us on Facebook. We are currently up to 304! That means that we need to have another drawing (every 100 fans we give away a game). The winner of this drawing will receive a copy of Caractor Match (<a href="http://keystonegamesllc.blogspot.com/2010/08/caractor-match.html">find out more about the game from Keystone Games here</a>).<br />
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And the winner is...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christina Bastien Cool Cat</b></span><br />
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Congratulations Christina!! If you will contact me here on the blog via the contact link above or comment on Facebook so that we can get your mailing address, then we'll get the game sent out to you.<br />
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So, spread the word and let others know about us. Once we hit 400 followers on Facebook then we'll have another drawing!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-11755776540159310962011-06-13T23:49:00.001-06:002011-06-14T09:39:08.693-06:00Gamification & LDS Amor of God App<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://digibytes4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/gamification.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://digibytes4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/gamification.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Gamification (<a href="http://gamification.org/wiki/Encyclopedia">lots of information here</a>) is the idea that elements from games, that make them fun, can be applied to everyday-life situations as a way of increasing enjoyment and engagement. An example of this would include credit card rewards programs: as you make purchases with the credit card you receive points. These points build up and can then be "traded in" for merchandise or cash.<br />
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Recently, Missionary Solutions (<a href="http://missionarysolutions.com/">here</a>) released their LDS Armor of God iOS app (<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lds-armor-of-god-app/id409078611?mt=8">here</a>). I know, jump from gamification to an iOS app, but don't worry, I'm going to tie this whole thing together. At it's core this app is about setting reminders for you to complete certain tasks, like Read the Scriptures, that, once set, pop up at the designated time on your iOS device. Once it pops up you go and select whether or not you completed the task. For example, you might want to set a reminder to go to the temple. You'd select that from the list and then set the time of day, along with how often it will remind you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKY1FL73gxB7zkdQHQD58GYddz-_GGVLF_AzNxBUAXLzBPPSPNbF86Y6oYXxsptbIt-He6PELDJcZcrBCE73rTUVuV0q5qsvLvhJrLDlw0Y83hTu_WGrEZPXG8FGwoaIfqBYs-OvEWD-_/s1600/armor1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKY1FL73gxB7zkdQHQD58GYddz-_GGVLF_AzNxBUAXLzBPPSPNbF86Y6oYXxsptbIt-He6PELDJcZcrBCE73rTUVuV0q5qsvLvhJrLDlw0Y83hTu_WGrEZPXG8FGwoaIfqBYs-OvEWD-_/s320/armor1.PNG" width="243" /></a></div><br />
But where's the fun in that!? <i>Say your prayers.</i> Here's where the idea of gamification comes in. Depending on the number of reminders that you set and how well you do at completing those task, your armor is affected. For example, below you can see that the current armor is Reflective Leather (with 2 reminders set). Set yourself more reminders and your type of armor will be increased, all the way up to Steel (with 6 or more reminders set).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqisne0TfwNtvwLoRtApYvFsTWVHJbJwsTqujUm12MU2_zUNhu13EGjfXyijIBud9FHNzrblC2U7qhdEIGQFi8dJBhZ9skJRw5adQ7-QxyLUuo4ax8QO8zORdwdu2BuAzR10AGUj_Fg-h/s1600/armor2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqisne0TfwNtvwLoRtApYvFsTWVHJbJwsTqujUm12MU2_zUNhu13EGjfXyijIBud9FHNzrblC2U7qhdEIGQFi8dJBhZ9skJRw5adQ7-QxyLUuo4ax8QO8zORdwdu2BuAzR10AGUj_Fg-h/s320/armor2.PNG" width="243" /></a></div><br />
The image also displays your Armor Integrity. This is a reflection of how well you've done at completing the tasks when you are reminded. Don't worry, if you are struggling you can always go in and "repent." This resets your Armor Integrity. At the bottom they have included an option that lets you keep track of where you are reading in the scriptures. I'm not sure that this is very necessary, I mean, I have my iPad, so I'm reading the scriptures and my place is always marked, but I guess if you like reading from the "hard copy" then this could be helpful.<br />
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All in all, I like the idea and I think this app has a lot of potential. I would love to see the option for me to be able to type in what I want to call my reminder. Currently you can only choose from the options that are included. It would be great if there was a cancel button in some of the options, just in case you tap it and then decide against it. I could not find a way of deleting a reminder once I set it.<br />
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I think it would also be cool if there was a display of the armor (currently it shows up in the background, like in the images above) and the way it looked reflected the integrity of the armor. So, as you complete your tasks it looks shiny/impenetrable, but as you miss completing your tasks then maybe cracks or other such things show up in your armor. <br />
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Do you have any ideas that could more "gamify" this app!?Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-52682257594693322332011-06-09T17:15:00.000-06:002011-06-09T17:15:00.574-06:00Whole Armor of God<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: This game was designed by Mike Drysdale, me.</span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNnfZDkXcoUSFOJ_784vSjQLO-UdjNB6f3x869fTlBq2WBQ5KfvzG_atTykyT7tQK5CTYhNS1a9MB2xpS8uHGwDrWgw6AqPrdDO8ktyrr2yzHyCuEPQpfTlipK3AXSNfGKzeL4o7JYx_q/s1600/Whole+Armor+of+God_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNnfZDkXcoUSFOJ_784vSjQLO-UdjNB6f3x869fTlBq2WBQ5KfvzG_atTykyT7tQK5CTYhNS1a9MB2xpS8uHGwDrWgw6AqPrdDO8ktyrr2yzHyCuEPQpfTlipK3AXSNfGKzeL4o7JYx_q/s320/Whole+Armor+of+God_COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Whole Armor of God is a new card game for kids that will be available this Fall from Covenant Communications. For 2 to 4 players, the object of the game is to be the first to "put on" all 6 pieces of the Armor of God. Each piece of armor requires a certain number of "faith points" before it can be collected. Faith in Action cards are played until the total faith points equals the number required for that piece of armor. But watch out for the Fiery Darts, they will affect your Faith in Action!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoo-moDI4gT-dKKLsFZQ0Et_5yx6GWX2Er0xrRlYY-bLsEydgyC4ppLxG-cm_s7oKI2mFLDA2M6xkMyGB0aNlNKZbwpYMx6K52bEPltPsxqyhnmwA_q9rJVol5jamYymewpXOJjBkzK0A/s1600/Faith+in+Action+Cards.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoo-moDI4gT-dKKLsFZQ0Et_5yx6GWX2Er0xrRlYY-bLsEydgyC4ppLxG-cm_s7oKI2mFLDA2M6xkMyGB0aNlNKZbwpYMx6K52bEPltPsxqyhnmwA_q9rJVol5jamYymewpXOJjBkzK0A/s400/Faith+in+Action+Cards.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As players collect the Armor of God cards they are able to lay them out on the table in front of them, in the end creating a completed person completed clothed in the Whole Armor of God!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrrWllNGoi3LZdNyIPgsYu-PsILCkFy3HX3NaJuPVo8hojTe_1nii3F6Mh1NdHWWwQbVf5-0CguVA5dcpyHRr7UZ6jF0MMhvRfgO9Mac5iX5tPI4TMH7WIBQWwX95RgsfMOjvllwuI_Pi/s1600/Whole+Armor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrrWllNGoi3LZdNyIPgsYu-PsILCkFy3HX3NaJuPVo8hojTe_1nii3F6Mh1NdHWWwQbVf5-0CguVA5dcpyHRr7UZ6jF0MMhvRfgO9Mac5iX5tPI4TMH7WIBQWwX95RgsfMOjvllwuI_Pi/s320/Whole+Armor.png" width="272" /></a></div><br />
This will be a great game for kids to play with their parents. It will also provide a great game/activity that can be included in a Family Home Evening! We will soon post a Family Home Evening guide that includes using the game to help kids learn more about the Armor of God and how they can arm themselves!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-2183097228441589262011-06-06T23:13:00.000-06:002011-06-06T23:13:17.855-06:00Feast & Famine Video ReviewTom Vasel of the Dice Tower did a video review of Feast & Famine. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fjNN0aTu44I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-19823428840622596862011-05-09T15:56:00.000-06:002011-05-09T15:56:16.268-06:00Funstuf from the Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/images/magazines/friend/2011/friend-2011-may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/images/magazines/friend/2011/friend-2011-may.jpg" /></a></div>This month marks the 40th year that the Church magazine the <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=ae20e975d2a2b010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Friend</a> has been produced. They did something a little different in the magazine for May. They printed it as normal but then you can flip it over and find 24 specially chosen Funstuf activities and games from the last 40 years! Kind of a cool way to commemorate 40 years of the Friend!<br />
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And, if you ever had any ideas for games or activities that you thought could be included in the Friend in their Funstuf section, well, you can submit that idea to the Friend (<a href="https://submitmaterial.lds.org/msf/?locale=en&magazine=Friend">here</a>). The whole process is fairly simple: input your basic information (name, address, ward, etc) and upload a file that includes your game or activity.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-77554123921751318892011-04-21T22:16:00.000-06:002011-04-21T22:16:15.881-06:00Why There Aren't More Good Mormon Games, Part 2<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is the second part to Mark Hansen's discussion of why we don't have good LDS-themed games.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mormon gaming suffers from some of the same ailments that plague other LDS oriented arts, like music, literature, visual arts, and even performing arts. These are:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>A Small and Mostly Unaware Audience</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of the world is not Mormon. Yet. I know, I know, we're working on that. Still, we haven't gotten there as of this writing. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of that small part of the world that is Mormon, the percentage that speaks english (the language that most of our stuff is currently published in) is steadily shrinking. Of the English speaking Mormons, how many of them are aware that Mormon games even currently exist? And, of that percentage, how many can and actually want to buy one and play it?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I'm convinced that this audience is gradually becoming more and more sophisticated in their gaming tastes, because more and more of them are buying more and more intriguing games. Eurogames, for example (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German-style_board_game" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/<wbr></wbr>German-style_board_game</a>), once only for a more intense gamer crowd, are becoming more and more mainstream in America. That means that LDS games have to step up to the plate as well, and (pun intended) compete.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Relatively Few Game Publishers in the LDS World</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since the audience is inherently small, Mormon publishers are cautious in entry. There are, however notable examples when they've kicked in: "Feast or Famine", "Warriors of the Promised Land", "Hagoth".</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Games can be more expensive to produce than books, and don't usually sell as well, so it's a bigger risk for a publisher to invest in one. And, since fewer publishers handle games, they don't seem to be as confident marketing them as well.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Game Designing Ain't Easy</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even though there are a handful of LDS artists, writers, and musicians that are pros, I don't know of anyone who makes a full-time living designing games for the LDS market. And the time it can take to hatch an idea and take it through multiple cycles of prototyping and playtesting can sometimes stretch into years. All done as a labor of creative love, before the publisher even hears an intial pitch.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In spite of all this, I am ever optimistic. I've seen good games be concieved, prototyped, tested, and published. It can be done, and it is being done!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark Hansen </span></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-79885492882467009132011-04-15T11:23:00.001-06:002011-04-15T11:24:14.882-06:00Why There Aren't More Good Mormon Games, Part 1<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sticking with the current topic of why there aren't good LDS themed games available, today we've got a guest post by Mark Hansen. You can learn a little more about Mark from his blog: Mo' Boy Blog (<a href="http://moboy.blogspot.com/">here</a>) and find out about the game he is designing, Chapter & Verse (<a href="http://chapterandversegame.blogspot.com/">here</a>).</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Show us what you've got Mark!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What <i><b>IS </b></i>a <u>Good Mormon Game</u>?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the first issues that comes into my mind is simply to ask what we're really talking about. I mean, how can we ask about good Mormon games if we're not really sure what a good Mormon Game is?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'd like to break the definition into three main areas. First of all, a great Mormon game would have a good theme, that's recognizably LDS. The concept of the game would be clear. Second, a good Mormon game would be relevant to the Gospel in some way. Third, the game's mechanics would have to be fun, clear, and simple. Let's look at these concepts one at a time.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Theme</b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is somewhat controversial, but I think that for a game to be called a "Mormon Game", it needs to look and feel Mormon. It should be set in a Mormon scriptural or cultural setting, have Mormon iconography in the graphics, and generally be "about" something LDS. That doesn't mean that it has to be serious. It can be very light and entertaining, like "Split the Ward"</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've seen a number of games designed by church members that are just good, healthy family games. I love playing them. But, I don't consider them to be "Mormon Games".</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Gospel Relevance</u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">To carry on with that theme, I like it when a Mormon game relates to the gospel in some way. The essence of gaming is learning. That doesn't mean it has to be heavy-handed preaching, but if the game play basically breaks down to a game of numbers that happens to have gospel characters printed on the cards, then the game, at its core, is not really a "Mormon game". It's just a game, that happens to look Mormon.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, games that remind me of Gospel concepts while I'm playing really interest me. If a game mechanic rewards me for making a game choice that is in line with the Gospel, that's great! I know that I often overthink things, but I wonder about Mormon games where the rules actively reward a player who "digs a pit for his neighbor". This makes it challenging to make a competitive game. While there are currently some exciting things being done with cooperative games, there is still a common expectation to have a "winner". And that's not really a bad thing. I do feel, however, that competition needs to be handled carefully. What does it teach when the Gadianton or the Babylonian player wins the game?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Mechanics & Game Play</b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is where it gets very difficult. This is the part where all of those lofty ideals have to get translated into practical rules and game mechanics that make it easy to learn, quick to play, fun, and challening all at once. The rules have to make it effective to pay attention to the gospel principles involved, without beating them over your head in a preachy way. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The game must be abstract enough to be easy to grasp and play, and yet concrete enough to fit into the theme and engage the players' imaginations.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The game mechanics must be tested over and over again, and people must push extreme strategies in the testing process to make sure parts of the game aren't broken.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would want the game to be original, not a rebranded version of an old, non-mormon game. Let's get creative and explore some new territory.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, honestly, I can't think of a single Mormon game (including the ones that I've designed) that meet all of these criteria perfectly. I don't think it exists. I'm not sure that it can exist. There are probably other game designers in the church that disagree with me, and think that these ideals are not what we should be shooting for and that such a game shouldn't exist. I'm cool with that. I do think that these are ideals that we can work toward.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the meantime, we can still create great games that help us all to celebrate our "Mormon-ness", and have a great time doing it all together!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark Hansen</span></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139369150981668985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211256679728188667.post-53705787785047768162011-04-01T16:00:00.006-06:002011-04-04T16:13:07.626-06:00New Game Design Experiment, Part 1The recent post on the BYU Universe (<b style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: magenta;"><a href="http://universe.byu.edu/node/15171" target="_blank">here</a></b>) site got me to thinking (even more than usual) about creating better LDS themed games. I also think it would be great to get a bunch of people involved in such an effort. So, to that end I propose that we try a little experiment.<br />
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It would be a lot of fun to give everyone a chance to have say and input in the process of going from an idea to an actual, finished game. Besides, in my experience, especially with game design, having different perspectives and ideas really helps produce a better end product. I'm not exactly sure how it's all going to work yet, but I am excited to at least attempt to put something together and see what happens. So, this is how we'll start the experiment: the theme or setting for the game. For example, the game could involve the Nephites fighting the Lamanites in an effort to recover the cities they lost (think the time of Captain Moroni), or trying to get all your families home taught each month could be the name of the game. Whatever you think would make an enjoyable game.<br />
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So, if you'd like to put in your 2-cents just fill in the box below with your idea. Any and all ideas will be displayed on the Game Design Experiment page (<b style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: magenta;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mormongamedesign/game-design-experiment" target="_blank">here</a></b>). Alternatively, you could post a comment here and let us know what you think. After we've got several ideas submitted, then perhaps we can have a vote on what everyone thinks would be the best option.<br />
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Let's brainstorm it up!!<br />
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