Paper Prototype

also known as: Non-Digital Prototype

Classification

  • #method #medium #process #roles #used-by #tools …

Intent

  • Speed up the prototyping process, enhancing productivity.
  • Identify and address issues at an earlier production stage.
  • Save time in digital prototyping iterations.

Problem

  • Prototyping is a crucial process for testing designs and ideas, but it can be slow.
  • Efficiently progressing through the development cycle can be challenging, particularly when digital prototyping consumes a big amount of important resources like time.

Solution Approach

  • Begin your game design as a non-digital board game to test the gameplay before you invest time and money in digital prototyping.

Application

Input

  • Game ideas and designs that can be tested and documented on paper.
  • A scoring system that can be adapted to a board game format.

Application

  • Transform your game into a board game.
  • Create player tokens and other assets essential to the game.
  • Determine how to translate game mechanics into board game rules.
    • Convert digital turn-based combat into non-digital turn-based combat involving players or the game itself.
    • For randomization, place objects/numbers in a bag for players to draw, or use dice.
    • Sketch your game map on paper and allow player tokens to move across it.
    • Use a clock for time measurement and counters for tracking in time-based levels.
  • Test the board game prototype with various players, focusing on identifying flaws in the rule set and mechanics.
    • Evaluate the balance of game mechanics.
    • Assess the enjoyment factor.
    • Analyze the map’s size and level of engagement.
  • Apply the lessons learned from the paper prototype to the digital development of your game.

Output

  • Analysis of the paper Prototype (a board game) that can be incorporated into the digital prototype. Should be documented in a Document.
  • May include Drawings and Sketches.

When to Use It

  • When time savings are a priority.
  • When involving multiple players early in development without establishing technical multiplayer functionality.
  • As part of the Gamespace Prototyping process.

Relevant Roles Using This Model

Relevancy in the Following Processes

Applicability

  • Suitable when an existing ruleset and a clear game vision are already in place.
  • Most effective in the early stages of production and prototyping.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Early identification of problems.
  • Efficient problem-solving in design.
  • Time-saving benefits.

Cons:

  • Limited impact on technical and artistic development.
  • Requires resources and player involvement to test the prototype accordingly.
  • Translating digital rules to paper can be challenging, and score tracking may pose difficulties.

Relation with Other Methods

Examples

  • Tetris as a Paper Prototype

    • Create geometric pieces resembling Tetris shapes and place them in a bag.
    • Draw the game board on paper.
    • Have someone draw shapes and slide them down the board.
    • Apply the rotation and shifting rules while sliding the shapes.
    • To clear lines, either mentally visualize or pause the game to remove pieces.
    • Track scores by recording them.
  • Halo as a Paper Prototype

    • Create game characters and assign one player to control them.
    • Designate another player as the enemy.
    • Draw a map and position the characters on it.
    • Establish turn-based rules for movement and combat.
      • Simulate shots using a metronome, allowing one shot per metronome tick when an enemy is in sight.
      • This system introduces a slow-motion effect, enabling analysis of gameplay elements.

Relevant Tools

Relevant Literature

Schell 2014 - A Book of Lenses

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