Paper Prototypes ofPaper Prototypes of

Stone LibrandeStone LibrandeLead Designer, Lead Designer, Spore Galactic AdventuresSpore Galactic Adventures

EA/MaxisEA/Maxis

(Please open in PowerPoint and refer to the note field for information about each slide.)

OverviewOverview

• Will be showing paper prototypes Will be showing paper prototypes

• Won’t be talking about Won’t be talking about howhow to to make your own paper prototypesmake your own paper prototypes

• What works, what doesn’tWhat works, what doesn’t

• Eat and growEat and grow

• OrganicOrganic

• CompetitionCompetition

• Drop of Drop of

waterwater

• Eat and growEat and grow

• OrganicOrganic

• CompetitionCompetition

• PoolPool of of

waterwater

• LimbsLimbs

• TailsTails

• MouthsMouths

• EyesEyes

Creating Paper PrototypesCreating Paper Prototypes

• What To DoWhat To Do Focus on one key idea at a timeFocus on one key idea at a time

Abstract as much as possibleAbstract as much as possible

• What Not to DoWhat Not to Do Don’t worry if the paper version is not Don’t worry if the paper version is not

“fun”“fun”

Don’t try to duplicate the entire gameDon’t try to duplicate the entire game

Don’t simulate computer functions Don’t simulate computer functions (math, physics, etc.)(math, physics, etc.)

Working with Paper Working with Paper PrototypesPrototypes

• What are the Benefits?What are the Benefits? Quick and cheap. No artists or Quick and cheap. No artists or

programmers required.programmers required.

Gives you a head start.Gives you a head start.

Generates a shared vocabulary. To make Generates a shared vocabulary. To make your prototype you have to talk about your prototype you have to talk about your game.your game.

Keeps the team’s imagination in sync. Keeps the team’s imagination in sync. Everyone sees the same thing.Everyone sees the same thing.