Stories can be told in any and every way. Each character in a story has a main desire, whether it is a deep, contemplative want, such as the search for love, or something more material, such as the search for recognition or success. Games are similar in that they propose an objective, a desire the players are attempting to achieve. In stories, the journey of a character achieving his or her desire is dependent on whether or not he or she can overcome the conflict--or a series of obstacles that represent the conflict. In games, similarly, this series of obstacles are restrictions put in place as the "rules of the game".
Let's try creating a game that will reveal a deeper story. The game can be based in realism or have surreal or magical elements.
1) Choose your players. For example, a young girl named Susan and an elderly man named Jeff.
2) Choose your objective, preferably a deep, essential desire. For example, to be understood.
3) Choose your "rules of the game" or obstacles. For example, Susan will be blind and Jeff will be deaf for the duration of the game. Attempting to get understanding from the other player, each player is allowed to communicate in any way except through written or spoken language. Therefore, communication must be through body movement, sound and vibrations, touch, smell, taste, etc.
4) Choose the setting of your game. Is this a game show? A board game? A card game? A whole new game like no other? Is there an audience? A stage? A host? Decide on the most fitting backdrop for your game. Not surprisingly, the most fitting backdrop may be the one that complicates or enriches your players objective the most. For Susan and Jeff, the setting shall be an arena in an oppressed country on the verge of overthrowing a dictator. The audience is a group of the oppressed yearning for representation and validation. How will this intensify their game?
5) Now take one sentence at a time, describing what each player does when it is his or her turn. For example, what will Susan do first to attempt to communicate to Jeff who she is? What is most vital to her self? What is most essential to knowing Jeff? What does he think Susan must know in order to understand him?
You are invited to submit your work to Melissa@TheStoryHatchery.com and we will post it on our blog. Enjoy your adventure!
This is therapeutic Melissa. It explores the implications of one's life history, their physical limitations, and their culture. What an amazing way to obtain some valuable self-reflection, where one can find out who they are in context of their surroundings. I love it!
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