Space-Biff! Space-Cast! Space-Cast! #45. Kelly House
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Mar 25, 2025 Join Jo Kelly, game designer known for the innovative "Molly House," as she delves into the challenges of creating a game centered on queer joy and the complexities of betrayal. Discover why betrayal is a pivotal mechanic that reflects historical stakes faced by the molly community. Jo shares insights on the evolution of gameplay, from initial prototypes to the final design, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth and community. The conversation explores how joy transcends mere victory points, encapsulating the richness of authentic experiences.
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Joy As Authentic Victory
- Molly House centers on queer community and scoring 'joy' as a measure of authentic life rather than simple points.
- The game pairs communal celebration with optional betrayal to mirror real historical pressures on marginalized groups.
Design Sparked By Zenobia Award
- Jo began designing Molly House specifically in response to the Zenobia Award announcement and had not started it before.
- She spent the first months on intensive historical research and rapid prototyping for the competition.
Mechanics Serve Themes
- The game's core ideas stayed while mechanics changed drastically from worker-placement to roll-and-move plus festivities.
- Mechanics evolved to better evoke party dynamics and communal negotiation rather than abstract economic systems.
