An adaptation framework for turning real life events into games: The design process of the refugee game

Sacha Kjærhus Therkildsen, Nanna Cassøe Bunkenborg, Lasse Juel Larsen*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Many games are inspired by real life events. The presented adaptation framework is based on the design of a board game with a companion app that addresses the Syrian refugee crisis. The aim of the game is to allow players to simulate the experience of being a Syrian refugee traveling through Europe. We applied an agile development method and participatory design to achieve our ambition. In conclusion we found that turning real life events into board games can be advanced by the following game design adaptation framework, which balances four interrelated layers: (1) real life events (game fiction), (2) game system (formal game elements), (3) movement system (game mechanisms), and (4) meaning (player choice) which prioritise game over story.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationInteractivity, Game Creation, Design, Learning, and Innovation : 5th International Conference, ArtsIT 2016 and 1st International Conference, DLI 2016, Proceedings
    EditorsAnthony L. Brooks, Eva Brooks
    PublisherSpringer
    Publication date2017
    Pages239-247
    ISBN (Print)9783319558332
    ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-55834-9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017
    Event5th International Conference on Arts and Technology, ArtsIT 2016 and 1st International Conference on Design, Learning and Innovation, DLI 2016 - Esbjerg, Denmark
    Duration: 2. May 20163. May 2016

    Conference

    Conference5th International Conference on Arts and Technology, ArtsIT 2016 and 1st International Conference on Design, Learning and Innovation, DLI 2016
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    CityEsbjerg
    Period02/05/201603/05/2016
    SeriesLecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, LNICST
    Volume196
    ISSN1867-8211

    Keywords

    • Agile development
    • Board game
    • Game design
    • Real life events

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