DEFEND THE DOG
semester-long studio project
completed Fall 2021
Defend the Dog is a card game designed to level the playing field between kids and adults.
Win Tokens
keep track of who is winning
Tool Cards
items for you to use to make your plan
Turn Marker
shows who presents their plan first
Disaster Cards
scenarios for you to overcome to save your dog
3. Everyone has 1 minute to think up a plan
4. Players take turns presenting their plans
2. Everyone draws 3 tool cards
1. Disaster card is drawn and read
5. Everyone votes on whose plan deserves a win token
6. Play continues until a player has 3 win tokens; they are the winner
Disaster for this round
This player presents first
This player is in the lead
RESEARCH
"Kids like to make their own games."
-Interviewee E.
"The end. I want a new book."
-Observee P., age 4
while flipping book to last page
"I never beat my dad at this game."
-Observee A., age 8
while playing Chinese Checkers
DESIGN STATEMENT
I want to make a game that
lets kids beat adults
is new every time
fosters learning
is fun even when you lose
IDEATION
PLAYTESTING
"I think cards using images make players more creative"
-Playtester S.
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
FINAL MODEL
Kids beat adults
Silly stories are rewarded over pragmatic plans. Children are more apt to make winning stories, but adults can adjust their thinking and win too.
New each time
Endless card combinations make a new experience each time it is played. The simplicity of the game makes it a platform for emergent gameplay via house rules and expansions.
Fosters learning
Players practice planning and presenting through telling stories.
Fun even when you lose
Storytelling is where the fun is generated. Fun is not dependent upon winning or losing.