Game Studies Task 1:Exercise 1 & Exercise 2

Task 1: Exercise 1 & Exercise 2


Zhang Wan Ru 0368214

21/04/2025—06/06/2025 (Week 1-Week 7)

Game Studies / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylors University


TABLE OF CONTENTS



Instructions





TASK

Exercise 1: My most favorite game
Teamfight Tactics (TFT)
Fig. 1.1 Download pages

Fig. 1.2 TFT Logo

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) is an auto-battler strategy game developed by Riot Games. It is based on characters and skills from League of Legends. Players compete by assembling teams of heroes, placing them on a grid-based board, and letting them automatically fight each round.

Fig. 1.3 Start page

How to Play?
  • 1. Choose Champions: Buy from the shop each round.
  • 2. Positioning: Strategically place units on the board.
  • 3. Build Items: Equip and combine items.
  • 4. Upgrade Units: Combine 3 of the same champion.
  • 5. Auto Battles: Units fight automatically.
  • 6. Objective: Be the last player standing.
Fig. 1.4 Play page

Fig. 1.5 Play page

Why I like this game?

I like playing "Shovel War" because it is very strategic. Not only do you have to match the lineup and position yourself well, but you also have to manage the economy carefully. The moderate rhythm is my favorite thing about it, and the turn-based gameplay gives me enough time to think and adjust tactics. Coupled with the 3D graphics and cool skill effects, the visual experience is great. The game also supports teaming up with friends or matching battles, which is very social. Moreover, the official continues to update content and launch new seasons to keep the game fresh and playable.

Disadvantages:

  • 1. Luck Factor: RNG affects outcomes.
  • 2. Steep Learning Curve: Complex for new players.
  • 3 long matches: 20–30 minutes each.
  • 4. Device Requirements: Can lag on low-end devices.

Exercise 2: Non-digital to digital—Evolution and remediating this game

DouDiZhu

Dou Dizhu is a popular Chinese card game played with a standard deck of 54 cards. The game is known for its quick pace, strategic depth, and unique roles—especially the role of the 'Landlord'. It is widely played across China, both offline and online, and appeals to players of all ages.

How to Play?

  • 1. Number of Players: Usually played with 3 people—one is the 'Landlord,' and the other two are 'Farmers' who team up against the Landlord. There are also 4-player or more variations.
  • 2. Dealing Cards: A standard deck of 54 cards (including two Jokers) is used. Each player gets 17 cards, and 3 cards are left as 'base cards' for the landlord.
  • 3. Bidding for Landlord: Players take turns bidding (or calling) for the landlord position. The highest bidder becomes the landlord and gets the 3 base cards.
  • 4. Playing Cards:
  •  - Players take turns playing cards clockwise. To continue, each play must beat the previous one; otherwise, a player can choose to 'pass.'
  •  - Common combinations include singles, pairs, straights, triplets with attachments, bombs, and 'rocket' (double jokers).
  •    - The first to play all their cards wins. If the landlord wins, they win alone; if the farmers win, both win together.

Why I like this game?

I like Dou Dizhu because it’s easy to understand yet full of strategic depth. After a long day of studying or working, playing a few rounds helps me relax. I enjoy playing with friends, as it involves cooperation and quick thinking. It feels great when I win a tough game or play a smart move. Even when I lose, I find it a valuable learning experience to improve my gameplay.


Disadvantages:
  • 1. Addictive Nature: Its fast pace and excitement can easily lead to excessive playing.
  • 2. Overemphasis on Luck: Sometimes, the outcome depends more on the cards dealt than on strategy.
  • 3. Limited Player Communication: Online versions often lack real-time communication, reducing the social element.
  • 4. Unbalanced Roles: The landlord role may feel overwhelming or underpowered depending on the dealt cards.
  • 5. Potential for Disputes: In casual settings, disagreements may arise over unclear rules or competitive tensions.
Task: my game link



Reflection 

The comparison between these two games made me realize that digitalization is not just about moving traditional games online but also a process of rethinking game rules, player experience, and interaction methods. Successful digital games can make full use of technological advantages to improve playability, sociality, and visual experience, thereby bringing a richer player experience. But at the same time, we must also be wary of the possible side effects of digitalization, such as increased game complexity, high requirements for device performance, and over-reliance on luck in games, which may affect players' sense of fairness and satisfaction.

In addition, game design should pay more attention to the diverse needs of players. Including the friendliness of novice guidance, the reasonable control of game rhythm, the guarantee of fairness, and the improvement of social functions, all need to be carefully polished to ensure the long-term vitality of the game and the continued interest of players. Only by constantly updating content and optimizing experience can the game remain fresh and competitive.

For my personal game design, this study made me realize

1. Player experience is crucial—how to make players quickly get started and continue to be interested is the core of design. For example, reasonable tutorials, progressive difficulty, and appropriate reward mechanisms can increase player interest.

2. Balance between strategy and luck—When designing, random factors should be reasonably controlled to ensure space for strategy so that players feel that victory or defeat depends more on their own decisions rather than pure luck.

3. Design of social interaction—Enhancing communication and cooperation between players can not only make the game more interesting but also promote the formation and activity of the community.

When designing the game, I will combine these concepts and strive to create a game product that is both deep and easy to use while taking into account social and visual experience, hoping to truly meet the needs of different players and bring a pleasant and meaningful gaming experience.



























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