If we were in the classroom, we would be in small groups doing this assignment. Two great examples of effective games from other classes involve a “welcome to high school” game and a “how to drive in Southern California” game. Since you’re creating the game on your own (with no group help!), think about some aspect of culture and our society that you think is important to teach, reinforce, or expose players to in a fun way. Maybe you want to think about a social issue you find important that others need to know about. When creating the game, base it on what you think the players should learn about our culture, society, and social expectations. Maybe you want to teach them about a particular social issue, focus on a specific value, or encourage a useful skill.

Post your responses to these questions in order to describe your game and its particulars. Make sure to write in complete sentences and be as descriptive as possible! It is fine to number your responses.

1. What is the game’s title?
2. What is the game’s social focus (a norm, value, skill, a particular environment, a social issue)? You might have a few that you’re combining! Discuss why you decided to choose this particular focus for the game. Maybe it is based on a personal experience or observation you have made about our social world!
3. Who is the game designed for in terms of its target players (who is it for)? What are the criteria to play the game? How many players do you need, and who do you need to be in order to play it (think age, social position, etc.) What expected or intended impact is there for the players involved? What do you hope to accomplish with the players in terms of reinforcing culture, socialization, conformity, deviance, and social control?
4. What are the components/objects of the game (cards, a board, pieces, a timeclock, etc.) and any other game specifics?
5. What are the rules of the game? What do players have to do and what should they not do?
6. How does a player win the game? How does a player lose the game? These are the sanctions of the game (rewards & punishments) so be specific with the particulars.
7. Finally, let’s say that C. Wright Mills was alive and had the opportunity to play your game. What do you think he would say about the “meaning” of your game? What do you think he would say about your game developing one’s sociological imagination?