Three really interesting threads started over at Ludocity this week: one in response the the BFI playtest; one about the team dynamics of the game, and one about the quality of video that the game generates.

To summarise the comments very quickly, two of the problems with the game at the moment are:

1. The game doesn’t have enough fun things to do for players not in charge of the camera, so they feel left out:

2. The video that the game generates is quite hard to watch, even for those who played i the game.

Several designers from the Sandpit community have been suggesting creative alternatives, so I thought I’d post a couple that seem particularly interesting to me here: (Gwyn & Nikki, I hope you don’t mind me cross-posting your feedback - any problems email me and I’ll edit straightaway):

Genzaichi
What happens if you remote the battery to the video cameras on a cable with a couple of push-to-make switches along its length? Someone’s got to keep each switch pushed down or else the camera switches off.

Same sort of idea could be used to trigger loud noises or flashy lights if all switches aren’t kept held down all of the time. Could be a relatively easy way to turn the tripod-carrying role into one that needs a few people working (and walking) together.

Gwyn
Can we solve this by having more roles? If the tripod’s heavy enough, it’ll take two people to carry it (+grunt). Then we add an external microphone on a boom (+sound guy), which means cables, so we need someone to prevent tangles (+grip?). Then we give double-points for footage that has a reporter in near-field narrating what we’re seeing (+reporter, possibly +writer and +autocue-guy). Perhaps we give clues as the game progresses about where items or teams are, over CB or mobile (+comms officer). Am I making this too complicated?

It would be great to hear from anyone who’s played the game in response to these suggestions: what do you think? Do you like the idea of individual roles, like a camera crew? Or do you prefer the idea of a complex, elaborate HFD that requires numerous people to operate? Maybe you like both? Maybe we should be using something like this in the game…