Inspiration (go to today’s schedule in the class website)

1. InspirationProblem StatementsBrainstormsPitchingLecture on 9/13/2011Game Mod WorkshopBrian Schrank

2. Inspiration(go to today’s schedule in the class website)

3. Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

4. Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement. How can a game… • blend two game mechanics, • propulsion + shooting? • propulsion + bombing?

5. Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement. How can a game… blend spinning tops + lightning in a cool way?

6. Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement. How can a game… capture a Christian audience but feel really edgy?

7. Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement. How can a game… feel like a Surrealist painting?

8. Brainstorm Once you have a problem statement then you

9. What did you thinkof the reading?

10. What is the Art of Brainstorming?

11. Before Brainstorms • Feed your unconscious mind beforehand • Do something the night before you love to do • Or, do something before you never do, like play some art games to really stretch your mind

12. Before Brainstorms • Feed your unconscious mind beforehand • Do something the night before you love to do • Or, do something before you never do, like play some art games to really stretch your mind • Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary

13. Before Brainstorms • Feed your unconscious mind beforehand • Do something the night before you love to do • Or, do something before you never do, like play some art games to really stretch your mind • Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary • Put toys, silly crap, “hand candy” on the table

14. Before Brainstorms • Feed your unconscious mind beforehand • Do something the night before you love to do • Or, do something before you never do, like play some art games to really stretch your mind • Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary • Put toys, silly crap, “hand candy” on the table • Have a large wall area to write all over

15. Before Brainstorms • Turn your critical mind off. • Don’t criticize yourself or your ideas.

16. During Brainstorms • Don’t criticize other people or their ideas • say, “yes, and…” to other people • no matter how stupid you think something is

17. During Brainstorms • Don’t criticize other people or their ideas • say, “yes, and…” to other people • no matter how stupid you think something is • Limit the brainstorm to 40 minutes • if it needs to go on, either • meet the next day (best) • or at least take a 20 minute break (play a game)

18. During Brainstorms • Don’t criticize other people or their ideas • say, “yes, and…” to other people • no matter how stupid you think something is • Limit the brainstorm to 40 minutes • if it needs to go on, either • meet the next day (best) • or at least take a 20 minute break (play a game) • Eliminate distractions from non teammates • Meet in a roomy, quiet, secluded place

19. After Brainstorms • Don’t name ideas by who thought of them • It’s not “Ed’s Idea” but the “Flying Dinobot idea” • Transcribe everything into a digital document • and send it to everyone on your team

20. After Brainstorms • Don’t name ideas by who thought of them • It’s not “Ed’s Idea” but the “Flying Dinobot idea” • Transcribe everything into a digital document • and send it to everyone on your team • Number your lists • it gives each idea the dignity it deserves • The room remembers • return to it alone or together to brainstorm more

21. Pitching Effectively

22. You are Pitching Yourself.Be Confident! Be LOUD and CLEAR.

23. First Impressions Count!Summarize your game in first 20 secs.

24. Lead with your Hook.Why is your game unique? Platformer + Parkour

25. Be as Visual as Possible! Use other people’s art if you have to!

26. DESIRE Criticism Be Humble and LISTEN in Critiques.

27. Balance Confidence with Desire to Improve

28. Questions?