Game Designer
Here's a scenario I run into a lot, both at home and in school: I have a bunch of toys and objects, perhaps I'm missing some of the main elements (a board for a boardgame, all the correct pieces, that sort of thing), but I want to create a successful and easy to play game out of what I've got.
Sometimes we can come up with a good idea that works, but sometimes we draw a complete blank - well, here's what I did with a little help from ChatGPT the other day:
I took a photo of a few resources my son and I had set up on the table: two robots, a few blocks of wood, a green boat, some coloured pencils, and a die. I then asked ChatGPT what sort of simple game (suitable for a five-year-old and his dad) we could create from these resources.
ChatGPT analysed the photo and immediately came up with a game suggestion: it said, call it 'Robot Blockade: The Tactical Maze' and follow these rules:
Each robot starts at opposite ends of a maze of blocks and pencils, with a goal of reaching the other end.
The first roll of the die guides how far each robot can move.
The second roll of the die determines whether the blocks of wood pivot left or right to wall off the approach of the oncoming robot.
Whoever reaches the boat gets a 'Boat Bonus' which results in an extra roll of the die.
We immediately set up our game according to this guide and played our first round. It was a complete success, it felt like a real game that we didn't even know existed. Then, my son brought in other resources, building on the initial foundations of the game, to turn it into something even bigger and better :)
This is another fascinating use of AI - not to replace our own creativity or imagination, but to help 'ramp in' to ideas, like any good accessibility support. When we talk about Executive Functioning, we talk about the challenges of 'task initiation' and 'planning' in getting started with certain tasks. Sharing our resources with ChatGPT was the accessibility support we needed to help get us playing, which allowed us to then take it even further.
I’ll share with you the dialogue I had with ChatGPT when we expanded the game, just to see what it thought :)
Craig: This is a great game. We’ve extended the landscape with other resources - any ideas for how to build on our game?
ChatGPT: I love the new additions to your setup! The expanded landscape offers some fun opportunities to enhance the game. Let’s build on what you’ve got:
Robot Blockade: Advanced Version
Objective: Continue the goal of reaching the opponent’s starting position, but now introduce missions and obstacles along the way.
New Game Features:
Multi-Terrain Movement:
The different tiles represent different terrains. Gray tiles are rocky, blue tiles are slippery, and the wooden floor represents open ground.
Movement Adjustments:
On rocky tiles, robots must roll a 3 or higher to move smoothly (if you roll below a 3, you stay in place).
On slippery tiles, you automatically slide one extra space forward after each move (unless blocked).
Resource Collection:
Place small items like tokens, blocks, or LEGO pieces on certain tiles. Players must collect these resources by landing on or passing through them.
Resources can be used to:
Build bridges over blocked areas (like the wooden structures).
Create new paths using the magnetic blocks.
Unlock a special power (like an extra roll) if you collect a certain number.
Obstacle Construction:
Allow players to use their turn to place additional wooden blocks, magnetic pieces, or even build ramps using the triangular blocks. These can either block the opponent or help their own robot navigate tricky areas.
Defense and Attack:
Robots can now attack or defend! If you’re within two spaces of your opponent, you can roll one dice for a chance to “push” them back one space (if you roll a 4 or higher).
Defending works the same way—if you’re attacked, you can attempt to stay in place by rolling a 3 or higher.
Special Zones:
Mark certain tiles or areas (like the space near the wagon) as boost zones where robots gain an extra roll, or trap zones where they lose a turn if they land there.
Upgrade Paths:
As you collect resources, you can “upgrade” your robot by building a small platform with the magnetic tiles. Standing on this platform grants you double movement or allows you to reroll a dice.
New Mission Objective - The Flag Capture:
Introduce a new winning condition: If a player captures a flag (use any small object), they can win by returning it to their start zone instead of reaching the opponent’s base.
Gameplay Flow:
Players take turns rolling the dice to move, build, and collect resources. Use your resources tactically to outmaneuver your opponent, build new pathways, or hinder your rival’s progress.