Back in February, I created my first game design document. Probably the first thing I did wrong was the fact that I did not even bother to do a physical prototype. I only did what was required and that was to produce a game design document. I must say one thing that I did like about it, is that I was very good at writing in great deal (maybe not so much when blogging). It was not a fifty page bible, but it was a good start for my first time.
I like the idea of my game, but I am just unsatisfied with how I imagine it would be executed. My idea is a game or maybe it is more like a learning tool, but it will teach and reinforce symbolic logic for introductory philosophy courses. I call it a game, because I want it to be fun. I think learning tools are also fun, but I also see them as interactive homework and it can't actually be classified as a game. I wanted (and still want to) make this game, because I had a rough time learning logic. It really was a rough time. I am ashamed to admit that I sat through this course almost five times. Two times because it was the wrong course and not transferable and the other three because I had to withdraw. I don't know if I am the only one who sat through the class that many times, but I always dreaded it. It did not help that I have never been good at math. I have also heard that it is not uncommon for students to repeat the course.
I remember hearing quite a bit of feedback from fellow students, telling me that they were also struggling. Other students would tell me that the class was dry, especially due to the way it was taught. I don't think the instructor should take all the blame for the material or their teaching being dry, because there aren't very many ways to deliver the material in an exciting manner. I think creating a game will change that. Not only will it be a less mundane way to learn, but it force students to work together. Working together and learning from my peers has always been an effective learning method for me.
