A MAZE. / Berlin 2017

Online registration is *not* required to attend this workshop. Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to be at the workshop location at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

Some workshops have special requirements: make sure to read the description and bring what’s needed.

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Our own identity is inevitably reflected into the games we make. Personal life and anecdotes, 'zeitgeist', culture, country and family of origin, all these diverse elements of identity are getting more and more visible as themes for story-driven games, either autobiographical or historically-set.

But what if we try to apply the notion of our identity as gamemakers not only to the aesthetics/semantics of a game concept but to its very mechanics? Goal of the workshop is to collectively experiment such a different approach by taking a two-hour 'round trip' through concept generation. First, analysing conventional game genres and mechanics and finding narrative elements that connect them to our identity; then, moving backwards elaborating and enriching different game mechanics by drawing from these narrative elements and from our own identity.

Intended audience: Game designers and writers, but everyone is welcome

Requirements: Average knowledge of conventional game genres and mechanics, no specific skills required

Tools participants should bring: Pen & paper (notebook is optional)