In my previous blog post for BCM300, I introduced Monopoly Deal. This time, however, my group and I have modified the children’s game Guess Who with some elements from Monopoly Deal. And here I will share with you my contribution as well as the gameplay.
What is Guess my job?
Very briefly, Guess my Job is a twist on the children’s game Guess Who which was first introduced in 1979.
Guess my Job is a strategic, educational family/ multi-player game. This game is targeted toward students 12 years old and above, as well as families with the aim of career learning and future planning.
My Role: Visual Design & Game Mechanics
Background Research: Anatomy of a Card
In order to produce and understand the design components of a card game, I found a reading regarding the anatomy of a card. Which was put into the design process.
There are several common elements in a card that makes playing and understanding the game easier.
- Name
The element of “name” can be found in almost any/ all cards. This helps players identify and refer to the card. Its features are usually the most prominent text on a card.
- Art
Art sometimes serves no purpose than to be pleasing to the eye or as a decoration. Typically the art is positioned in the middle of the card with other visual elements placed above, below, and sometimes on the sides. This also creates a framing effect that draws the eye into the center of the card.
- Cost to buy/ play/ build
This element may not be present in all card games but can be found in games like Monopoly Deal. The position of the card cost depends on where the card is found before paying the cost. You’ll often find the card cost along the top left corner of the card. That’s because when cards are fanned out in your hand, the top left corner is the most visible.
- Card instructions
One of the most important elements in a card game. Depending on the complexity of your game, it can take up the most space in the card. Aesthetics and usability can often be in direct conflict with each other as you try to balance the size of the art versus the amount of space given to the card instructions.
- Card type
It’s a way to quickly determine the general characteristics of a card and its relevance in various situations.
Speaking of design, graphic design plays a vital role in making your game, especially the use of iconography.
A good game icon language balances two things: being unique to the setting of your game, and being recognizable.
(Major, 2014)
Visual Design
Color
We have used pink for the frame to add some fun and a pop of color. We want players to not feel bored or rigid because it’s an educational game, but rather enjoy the process of game play.
Job cards
There are 30 different job occupations in a deck. The style of the characters is minimal and clean so that players are to use their own understanding to answer opponents’ questions accordingly. These icons are also to aid players who are learning said occupations/ words. Below the icon is the title of their job occupation.
Chance cards (action cards)
There are 5 different chance cards, 3 sets each in a deck. In the chance cards, you can find the card type (chance) and its rules/ function. It is straightforward, allowing the player to make their decision.
Game mechanics
Turn-based: requiring each player to take turns to ask questions.
Asymmetry: it is an indirect/ direct way to play the game. Each round may look different and each player may ask different questions as well as make or skip their guess.
Cards: it is used to randomize and add the element of chance by using an add/ take mechanic.
Dice: similar to cards, a dice can add dynamic and element of chance.
Drafting: this allows players to access an advantage or disadvantage. If utilized correctly, players can meet the objective of the game.
References:
- Major, C. (2014). What’s that symbol mean again? building clear iconography into your game. League of Gamemakers. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/whats-that-symbol-mean-again-building-clear-iconography-into-your-game/#:~:text=It’s%20a%20series%20of%20graphic,your%20game%2C%20and%20being%20recognizable.
- Chen, J. Z. (2017, March 7). Anatomy of a Card. Medium. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://fantastic-factories.medium.com/anatomy-of-a-card-840cdc2404c1#.5oshfyk0f
Good Tidings from Bean 
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