Course Content
Unit 2: Transformative Leisure Role-playing Game Design
These types of games are not necessarily played for an educational or therapeutic purpose, but they can be designed with specific goals in mind and players might find them transformative in a variety of different ways.
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Unit 3: Therapeutic Role-playing Game Design
These types of games are designed for a therapeutic purpose or to help participants develop social skills.
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Unit 7: Ritual, Symbolism, and Culture in Game Design
In this Unit, we will deepen into specific practices for designing rituals, narratives, and symbolism in role-playing games.
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Unit 8: Role-playing Game Design and Conflict
As with our first class, this unit will cover both conflicts surrounding certain facets of game design within gaming communities.
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Unit 9: Representation and Tech Ethics in RPG Design
In this unit, we will primarily focus on the way disabilities are represented in role-playing game design.
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Unit 10: Framing Transformative Game Design
Welcome to our last unit on your reflections and analysis of the transformative game design process.
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Transformative Game Design 1

Discussion 12: Culture, Ritual, and Symbolism Design Brainstorming

Read Martin Nielsen’s “Culture Calibration in Pre-larp Workshops.”

Examine one (1) item from the Ritual Design category and one (1) item from the Symbolism category on the Recommended Materials list for a total of two (2) items.

Optional: Watch Eirik Fatland’s “Cultures by Design” (24 min). (Use headphones for optimal sound).

  1. Based on what you have learned so far, brainstorm ways in which you would design a role-playing game integrating aspects of a culture or subculture to which you belong in a role-playing game (1-2 sentences).
    • Would the cultural aspects be highly realistic and grounded in this world? Or would you use fantasy, science fiction, or some other genre?  (1-2 sentences).
    • Based on Nielsen’s article, how might you utilize pre-larp workshops to help with cultural calibration?  (1-2 sentences).
    • If you were to design an in-game ritual based on this culture, what would it be like? Be specific. (3-4 sentences).
    • What symbolism would be interesting to include? Be specific.  (1-2 sentences).
    • What transformative impacts might be possible for players to experience when engaging with this culture through play? Be specific.  (1-2 sentences).
    • What pitfalls would you try to avoid? Be specific.  (1-2 sentences).

Your post should not exceed four (4) paragraphs in length (4-6 sentences per paragraph).

Finally, respond to at least two (2) of your peers in “Yes, and…” and Ask a Question, Answer a Question format.