Outline w/ Bibliography

Cause and Effect: Design for Collaborative or Competitive Dynamics

Introduction

The Effect of Contemporary Social Games

1. Self-centered and socially irresponsible: Unlimited personal gain without consequence
2. Players collaborate without having to share or compromise
3. Players compete purposefully with pre-determined opponents

Real Life

1. It behooves us to form social relationships and be socially aware (not endless gain)
2. In real life, people often have to sacrifice, share or compromise in close relationships
3. Competition comes about between people

The Growing Impact of Social Games

1. As games become more social and global, it would be healthy for games to be more realistic in their social structures
2. Social responsibility would be something important to be considered in game design

Paper Body

1. Popular Games of Today : Artificial Socialization

1. World of Warcraft relationship roles of opponent and ally.
2. Co-existing / “Separate-but-equal” alliances : lack of community influence
3. Teams: predetermined without history
4. Little Cave Hero : gifting without really giving

2. Socializing through Games, Influence

1. Super Mario World 3: Battle Mode:
2. Social and massive games are prominent and increasing in popularity
3. Ravenwood Fair: endless gain without consequences.
4. Without responsibility, games only pose as being “really social” but miss the mark.
5. In teams, the only responsibility is to be competent

3. Real Life: Social Responsibility, Public Relations

1. Noam Chomsky: structures that allow unhindered competition
2. Competitive Strategies allow corporate entities to gain
3. Social Responsibility is required to avoid animosity and keep system in tact

Conclusion: Structure and Meaningful Play

1. Rules of Play: How does complex gameplay create meaning?
2. Does gameplay affect culture?
3. Storytelling and game design.

Bibliography

Bainbridge, William Sims. The Warcraft Civilization: Social Science in a Virtual World. 2010.

Chomsky, Noam. Powers and Prospects: Reflections on Human Nature and the Social Order. 1999.

Fischer, Claude. Inequality by Design: Cracking the Bell Curve Myth. 1996.

Salen, Katie and Zimmerman, Eric. Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. 2003.