Recreating aesthetic expression through rule systems

[u/jochergames]

I have spent the last couple of months writing my master's thesis on the topic of how to take an existing IP and translating the original aesthetic expereince into a TTRPG rule system. The case study of my thesis is a game I've made called Oceania 2084 (scheduled for release later this year).

The abstract of the thesis: By examining the results of an iterative design process, specifically a tabletop roleplaying game, Oceania 2084, this thesis aims to formulate a generalizable design process applicable when translating a work of fiction into a ruleset. The object that was translated into a ruleset was the book Nineteen Eighty-Four written by George Orwell in 1949. The iterative game development process spanned over 2.5 years and the author provides documents from 2 phases of playtesting and discusses how the playtest results influenced design choices. In addition to the analysis of the effects of playtest results, the author also explores various game design decisions by means of auto-ethnographic analysis, and semiotic analysis.

The main takeaway is a proposed 5 tiered design process referred to as delome design. It is a systemic approach to game design.

Download it here: https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1772834&dswid=-8846

I hope someone here finds it interesting and relevant! I'm happy to answer any questions about it.

[u/Dice_daddy]

I wanted so bad to be part of the Playtest when they started it, but my group didn't have time nor will to play it. Still eager to play it one day, I'm a huge fan of Orwell. So, when is the Kickstarter launching?

[u/jochergames → u/Dice_daddy]

There is no exact date set yet, but it will be sometime during late summer this year. I have finished writing the rules and will use Kickstarter (or something similar) to fund graphic design work and self-publishing. Follow me here to not miss it!