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In the game design industry, this can include things like game concepts, characters, and even how the game looks (graphics). When designing a game, the goal is to make it fun, interactive, and social. The game should be easy to learn but hard to master, so that it’s accessible to new players but still challenging for pros. It should also be well-paced, immersive, and have lots of replay value. And of course, it should be affordable so everyone can join in the fun. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit
(b) Test Your Prototype
I would watch silently as they read the instructions and started playing, jotting down any moments of confusion or frustration. These are the things players can use or control in the game. This can be anything from pieces on a board, to the amount of time you have, to clues you’ve collected. In summary, changing the rules of a game can have a big impact on how it’s played and how much fun people have. It’s a good way to see how important rules are in shaping the game’s experience. Double points for 3-pointers did make players focus on long shots, just as predicted.
Game Design Merit BadgeCurrent Scouts BSA Requirementsas of January 11, 2024
For each term that you pick, describe how it relates to a specific game. You should also make adjustments based on feedback and play it multiple times to ensure it works as intended. Protection is needed so people can’t just copy your hard work and make money from it without your permission. A “licensed property” means using someone else’s intellectual property legally. For example, making a “Star Wars” video game would need a license from the owners of the “Star Wars” brand.
Understanding Intellectual Property in Game Design
This could be a college professor or an instructor at a specialized game development school. Ask them about what they do day-to-day, how they got into the field, and how their job fits into the bigger picture of game development. Take notes during the conversation so you can review them later. So, gather some folks to play your game and listen closely to their feedback.

This is your chance to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and how you can make your game the best it can be. It’s all about playing, learning, and tweaking until you’ve got a game that everyone enjoys. This is the story or setting that makes the game more interesting. A good theme can make the game more fun and easier to understand.
Game on! Boy Scouts introduce video game merit badge - New York Post
Game on! Boy Scouts introduce video game merit badge.
Posted: Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Based on the tests, one change I’d make is to clarify the point system and the value of each game piece. This would make the game easier to understand and more fun to play. You give them the rules, the pieces, and then step back to watch how they navigate through the game without any help from you. This could be anything from scoring points, solving a puzzle, or collecting items.
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The no-dribbling rule made the game slower, and the requirement for all players to touch the ball did emphasize teamwork but at the cost of fewer scoring chances. In short, game design is a skill that combines creativity and technical know-how to create games that bring joy and connection to people everywhere. At New England Tech, students learn from industry professionals in small classes in a “hands-on” format utilizing the most current technologies available. NEIT helps students develop basic math, communications, and business skills that allow them to compete for the best jobs and ensure growth in their chosen career. Troop 8 has been a great place for kids to learn and grow and have fun for over 100 years!
(c) Preliminary List of Rules and Resources

The notebook must demonstrate a thoughtful initial concept, multiple design iterations based on initial testing, and feedback from blind testing. Encourage Scouts to use their notebook to record brainstorming sessions, test parameters, and any game-related ideas throughout the process. Also encourage them to record thoughts behind key design decisions to help them trace and retrace their steps as their designs evolve.
Boy Scouts of America Introduces Game Design Merit Badge
Your prototype should include all the essential elements like rules, objectives, and resources needed to play the game. It can be as simple as a paper sketch or a basic digital model. Conducting a blind test for your game design is like taking off the training wheels when you’re learning to cycle; it’s where you see if the game can stand on its own. In this crucial step, you hand over your game to people who’ve never played it before and observe. Intellectual property means the unique things you create with your mind, like a game idea or a character.
Boy Scouts of America to offer game design merit badge - Polygon
Boy Scouts of America to offer game design merit badge.
Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT [source]
At this stage, you would sketch out the game board, showing the different types of spaces (puzzle, challenge, start, and end). These drawings don’t have to be perfect but should give a clear idea of what each element will look like. People would want to play this game because it combines strategy, problem-solving, and a bit of luck. The jungle setting and quest for a hidden treasure add excitement and a sense of adventure.
It is important to understand that the Scout is making a prototype. Scouts will learn about elements of gameplay, game analysis, thematic elements and intellectual property. The badge focuses on the concepts behind game design, not just video games.
Because the project is so flexible, it is likely that you will have Scouts working in mediums with which you are unfamiliar. The game design community has a vast array of publicly available resources, and the merit badge information online at maintains updated links to relevant material. If you have a specific concern about programming an electronic game prototype, there are a number of free or inexpensive game design software packages available online. Some are very easy to use with little or no computer knowledge, and most have robust information resources to support them.
Below is some information that might help you complete the existing requirements. Basketball is a game where two teams try to score points by shooting a ball into the opponent’s hoop. You dribble to move the ball, pass to teammates, and play defense to stop the other team.
Designing your very own game is an exciting journey that lets you be the boss of how everything works. First, you’ll need to figure out the basics like what kind of game it is, who’s playing, what they’re trying to achieve, and what the game feels like. Many parent volunteers serve our Troop as Merit Badge Counselors (MBC).
So, protecting intellectual property helps creators keep their original ideas safe and allows them to profit from their creativity. People play games for various reasons, each contributing to the appeal and popularity of gaming in different ways. Below are five key reasons people engage in gaming, along with examples for each. Requirement 8a or 8b MUST be completed before you attend your merit badge day class.
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