DESIGNING A TABLETOP ROLE-PLAYING GAME
Virtanen, Miikka (2018)
Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018113019272
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018113019272
Tiivistelmä
The creation of a tabletop role-playing game is a relatively understudied subject in the realm of game design. The objective of this thesis was to create an understanding for the reader of the process for creating a simplified tabletop role-playing game, paying specific attention to the methods of evoking theme, emotion and immersion through game mechanics, and to ultimately create a tabletop role-playing game based on this knowledge.
The thesis studied the history and definition of role-playing to gain an understanding for the foundation of the medium. It then looked at and analyzed a definition for role-playing games. After giving the reader a basic understanding of the medium through these two areas, the main bulk of the thesis talks about the author’s process for creating a tabletop role-playing game.
The end result product for the thesis was a prototype for Invasion (working title), a tabletop role-playing game for four to six players. The game was not fully completed within the allotted time that was available for the writing of this thesis but got however very close to completion. Additional playtesting will be required, as well as time to further refine the mechanics of the game. The author will continue working on the game after this thesis is published, aiming to publish the game online.
The thesis studied the history and definition of role-playing to gain an understanding for the foundation of the medium. It then looked at and analyzed a definition for role-playing games. After giving the reader a basic understanding of the medium through these two areas, the main bulk of the thesis talks about the author’s process for creating a tabletop role-playing game.
The end result product for the thesis was a prototype for Invasion (working title), a tabletop role-playing game for four to six players. The game was not fully completed within the allotted time that was available for the writing of this thesis but got however very close to completion. Additional playtesting will be required, as well as time to further refine the mechanics of the game. The author will continue working on the game after this thesis is published, aiming to publish the game online.