This course begins by defining social video games, highlighting their role in creating connections and promoting inclusivity. Participants learn about the two primary categories of social gaming—casual games and hardcore massively multiplayer online games (MMOs)—and the evolution of hybrid genres that integrate elements of both.
Key mechanics of social games are examined, including synchronous and asynchronous interactions, symmetrical and asymmetrical relationships, and the impact of strong and loose social ties on player dynamics. Participants are introduced to game design methodologies tailored to social gaming, from accessibility and appealing themes to engaging audio-visual elements, gameplay, and monetization strategies. Practical techniques are provided for designing immersive social mechanics, such as gifting, leaderboards, and collaborative challenges.
The course also emphasizes building and managing gaming communities. Learners are guided on creating inclusive environments, leveraging platforms like Discord or forums, and employing strategies to foster engagement and positive interactions among diverse players. Through hands-on exercises, participants experiment with popular social games and analyze their community-building strategies to apply these principles to their projects.
This comprehensive course equips participants with the skills and insights to create engaging, inclusive social video games while highlighting the broader implications of fostering digital communities in a connected world.
Bibliography:
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Among Us: όλα όσα πρέπει να ξέρετε για το δημοφιλές παιχνίδι. | SaferInternet4kids. (2022, July 29). SaferInternet4kids. https://saferinternet4kids.gr/nea/amongus/
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