Composure (Antiquarian Adventures) with Michael Elliott
Jun 1, 2023
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Game developer Michael Elliott discusses failure and conflict in RPGs, genre mechanics, spotlight passing, and simplifying game mechanics. They explore Composure in Antiquarian Adventures, pulp adventure stories, enhancing gameplay with tropes, and addressing racism in RPGs.
Embrace failure in RPGs to enhance player experience through innovative mechanics.
Utilize role-based abilities and composure mechanic for collaborative gameplay dynamics.
Critically examine narrative choices and cultural representations in RPG design for inclusivity and sensitivity.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest's Profile
The podcast introduces its hosts, Sam Donawald and Michael Elliott, discussing Michael's prolific game design work and current projects like Dungeon Local 001. Michael is commended for his continuous game creation, including the kickstarted game 'Nasty Brutish and Long.' He is recognized for his innovative approach to designing small games that can fit in regular envelopes, encouraging cost-effective game production.
Game Mechanics Transformation
Michael presents the Composer mechanic from Ash McAllen's 'Antiquarian Adventures,' derived from Blades in the Dark mechanics, tailored to create a distinctive gaming experience. The episode delves into the design philosophy of crafting games that energize players through failure. It emphasizes genre emulation, minimalistic mechanics, and reinterpreting existing game rules to enhance gameplay. The Composer mechanic showcases a unique method of refreshing resources by incorporating character-specific triggers and diverse abilities.
Role and Personality Integration
The integration of roles and personalities in 'Antiquarian Adventures' reflects a departure from traditional playbook structures, merging distinct character aspects to form unique combinations. Players can utilize composure to activate role-based abilities, assist others in gameplay, and resist consequences. This mechanic emphasizes collaboration and strategic decision-making tied to character dynamics, maintaining engagement and relevance of each character's role.
Spotlight Allocation and Genre Immersion
Composure's role in regulating spotlight distribution among players enriches gameplay dynamics, ensuring a balanced narrative focus across characters. The system incentivizes impactful actions that align with genre tropes, fostering diversity in character experiences and interactions. By intertwining mechanical resource management with thematic storytelling, 'Antiquarian Adventures' cultivates a genre-specific narrative that encourages risk-taking, character depth, and collaborative engagement.
Critique on Racism and Gameplay Impact
As the podcast explores the mechanics and thematic elements of 'Antiquarian Adventures,' it raises awareness regarding potential racial and colonial undertones inherent in adventure storytelling inspired by films like Indiana Jones. The discussion underscores the importance of critically examining narrative choices and cultural representations within game design contexts. Recommendations for exploring cultural sensitivity include resources by game designers and podcasts discussing representation and racism in RPGs, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration in incorporating genre elements while respecting diverse perspectives and experiences.
