In this lesson you'll learn about Conflict Resolution methodologies and supporting considerations.
This week also features the first exam. It is worth 25 points and covers the material from weeks 1, 2, and 3 (including the required reading sections for those weeks on this web site).
The link below is the homework assignment due at the beginning of the next class session.
These links feature the supplemental material that you are responsible for knowing before the first exam (that takes place at the beginning of Week 4). Be sure to click on every link in this section!
Article: Don't be a Vidiot by Greg Costikyan
Make sure you read Greg Costikyan's article. It's weighty, but philosophically very sound. Particularly if you're having doubts about the material used in this class or my approach to the subject of game design, you should read this article.
Game Component: Shogun Player Aid
The game's economic model, sequence of play, and combat system are all briefly and brilliantly summarized for easy player use. Note that this page also links to the game's rules.
Game Component: Fortress America Player Aid
Like the Shogun Player Aid, the game's economic model, sequence of play, and combat system are all summarized for easy player use.
These supplemental links are worth pursuing only if you wish to really learn the subject matter of game design in the broadest possible sense. This material will not be directly included in the exams, but if you're serious about being a game designer and delving deeply into the subject of game design art, craft, and science, here's some more lessons from others who have also "been there."
Article: What is a "Wargame?" by various authors
Here's the word on the word "wargame."
Article: Realism vs. Playability by Jon Freeman from his book The Complete Book of Wargames
This debate is one of the oldest in wargaming, but can also be broadly applied to any game with a claim to "realism," particularly detailed strategy and role-playing games, first-person shooters, simulators, and so forth.
Complete
Game:
Battle for Moscow by Frank Chadwick
Hitler's army approaches the spires of the Kremlin in late 1941 as General Winter arrives to help the battered Red Army.
Complete Game: Drive on Metz Game by James F. Dunnigan (pictured, right)
Patton races across France in the Autumn of 1944 as the Germans regroup to put up resistance at crucial city of Metz. This game was especially designed for Jim Dunnigan's Complete Wargames Handbook. For a computer edition of this game, click here.
Complete Game: Napoleon at Waterloo by James F. Dunnigan
This introductory wargame takes you to one of Europe's most famous and decisive battles. This is a free, "print and play" version and serves as a complete introduction to the war gaming hobby.
Online Solitaire Game: Napoleon: Interactive Battle Simulator from PBS
Think you could have done better at the battle of Waterloo in June of 1815? Here, you're presented with battlefield situations and choose which order to give in this solitaire interactive story where you can play either Napoleon or Wellington on that fateful day in history.
Book: The Complete Wargames Handbook: How to Play, Design, and Find Them by James F. Dunnigan
If you're wondering where The First Two Rules of Game Design were first written for the masses, it was probably here in Jim Dunnigan's book. For more information on this man who is knows as The Dean of Board Wargaming, you'll find his Home Page by clicking here.
Bibliography: General Course References
This is the game that we played and analyzed in class this week. If you
want more information about it or wish to download a free copy, see the links
below:
COLD WAR NAVAL BATTLES is an award winning, card-driven game that uses a variety of conflict (e.g., "combat") resolution methods. It has spawned its own cult following since first published as Modern Naval Battles back in the 1980s along with two Expansion Sets. Today, the creative team behind this game have created Cold War Naval Battles as an update to the game that is available free for downloading. If you go to the web site, be sure to read the History link there; it's the kind of inspiring story that budding game designers will want to know.
