Construct & Combat is a game that teaches about the consequence of investing in warfare for casual gamers that enjoy simple strategy games.
It solves the nonviolent movement World Beyond War's problem of teaching about war by making the users reflect on their actions and engaging them by playing.
My role was to facilitate, document, prototype, test, and design the game and visuals. I collaborated with four other students.
1. DEFINING THE PROBLEM
The client needed a teaching tool to help educate about war. We started by summarizing the requirements and defining the target group.
Theme
The effects to the people when governments invest in warfare instead of infrastructure, and vice versa.
Requirements
1-4 players
Feature PvP, PvE, solo, and Co-op modes
25-30 mins per game
Easy rules & setup, 10-15 min onboarding
Engaging and replayable
Carry learning points
Playable online
Print & Play files
Sell sheet
Reflect the theme assigned clearly
Target Group
Casual gamers that enjoy simple strategy games, since the client wanted a game that would be used as a teaching tool in different settings.
A global nonviolent movement to end war
Some of the cards in the game
Research about the cost of war & the theme
2. RESEARCH
Researching and translating into possible gameplay. We gained great insights from the client, but we also researched on our own.
The Cost of War & Win Conditions
After researching, we defined a goal for the game (to make your citizens happy by building), and thought of ways to motivate the player.
3. IDEATING & PROTOTYPING
We ideated about the setting, format, and gameplay. After that we pitched our ideas to the target audience to make sure we created a viable game. This gave us the insight that our secondly prioritized game idea was more engaging, and we changed direction.
Game Setting, Format & Gameplay
I suggested that we aim for a card game to make it portable, easier to incorporate the requirements for game modes, and less overwhelming to a new player. The team agreed and we ideated about win conditions and mechanics.
First Prototype
I found Playingcards.io which worked very well, and since we were going to iterate on the prototype I created an Excel sheet that I could simply import to the site.
Second Prototype
I added the game to Tabletop Simulator, in order to give the game a real game feeling and create better testing.
Using Miro to ideate about the game objective and gameplay
Lo-fi prototype in Playingcards.io
Hi-fi prototype in Tabletop Simulator
The gameplay was relatively smooth, and we got into it pretty quickly
The simple structure of the game, I think, was quite inviting
I thought it was pretty clever, keeping it simple but still an effective set of things happening during the game
Feedback from test users
Sellsheet (click to enlarge)
4. PLAYTESTING & IMPLEMENTATION
We had already playtested the first prototype, but the hi-fi prototype in Tabletop Simulator gave the test users a better feeling for the game.
Visual Design
I designed the card faces, imported all the information, and added the game to the Tabletop Simulator Workshop on Steam. I also designed the P&P files and the rulebook.
Testing
During the prototyping we continuously tested the mechanics and game feel on our target group, to make sure we didn't break the game.
Final Playtest
I lead the final playtesting session in an online board game community. Afterwards I fixed the smaller errors and documented the more complicated issues & suggestions.
Excellent again, I'm blown away today
Very good, well done
These are really, really special
Feedback from client
5. CLIENT FEEDBACK
We pitched our game idea to the representatives of World Beyond War, and they were impressed with our product presentation and happy that we fulfilled all the demands.
6. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Adapt the language to get understood
Easy rules, inviting structure, and low entry barrier
Use Lightning Decision Jams more
Use Dot Voting more
Assign speaking time during discussions online
7. FUTURE ITERATIONS
Incorporate more advanced mechanics
Lower the randomness
Add a detailed narrative
Include ideas from the presentation
Address problems from the final playtesting session
