Show048: Techniques and Ephemera
This show we tackle the last two layers of the Big Model, Techniques and Ephemera. If you need a review the last layer was Exploration, and before that was Social Contract. Not much else to say.
Theory From the Closet
A punk perspective on tabletop RPG’s, their theory, and design.
8:10 pm on January 26th, 2009
I think you said “shared imaginary space”, and I think that Ron intends for you to say “shared imagined space”. At least, that's what I recall. Sometimes I start saying something 'wrong' and it just becomes this habit that is hard to break out of. Maybe it could be a running joke? Though I don't remember Ron laughing…he seems like a serious guy (in interviews at least).
Regardless, thanks for completing the set of nested Russian dolls.
One thing I would be interested in seeing is to take the Big Model as you've presented it so far, and use it to look at a game. What is defined? What is not? Where do things fit, or come up? Or maybe look at two games – one designed with the Big Model in mind (i.e. out of the Forge community) and one less so (i.e. a trad game). I think that the BM might be more clear (to those of us not already familiar with it) with examples all drawn from the same game.
Either way, all this work you put into podcasting is appreciated. I'm glad you seem to be getting a lot out of it, meaning you'll continue, which is good for us.
12:04 am on January 27th, 2009
Hey Doug,
*grins* My asking Ron, is kind of making it a running joke. My humor has been described at times as “dry.” I like to think I have more range then that…. I'd describe Ron's humor as “wry.” Perhaps it doesn't translate well only hearing it. Anyway….
I've been thinking about your suggestion and am having a hard time thinking about how to do it. The Big Model is about creating a structure for examining play, not game design. Where it's helpful in game design I think is looking at the play of a game you are designing. I'm not sure how I can use it to examine play and not be boring. I'll give it some thought. If you'd like to see it in action though you might try the actual play forums on the forge: http://www.indie-rpgs.com
12:08 am on January 27th, 2009
Also I should have something examining game design structures after Dreamation, so keep an eye out, or ear open, in late February, early March.