Submit presentation (1 submission per pair – to be submitted 24 hours after your presentation)
Example – RoboQuest by Joshua Varvarigos
Objective:
Students will analyze a video game as a narrative text, exploring its story, characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics (i.e. jump in Super Mario or rotate in Tetris). This assignment aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills by treating video games as a form of literature.
Instructions:
- Choose a Video Game: Select a video game with a strong narrative component rated E or T. Examples include modern Spiderman titles or JRPG’s (Final Fantasy series, The Tales series, Octopath Traveler series, Kingdom Hearts series, Dragon Quest series, etc.).
- Play and Analyze: Play the game, paying close attention to the storyline, character development, themes, and gameplay mechanics. Take notes on key plot points, character arcs, and any significant themes or messages.
- Presentation: Prepare a 10 minute presentation summarizing your report. Use visuals such as screenshots or video clips to illustrate your points.
- Introduction:
- Title of the game
- Developer and publisher
- Release date
- Brief overview of the game’s premise
- Plot Summary:
- Summarize the main storyline, including key events and turning points.
- Character Analysis:
- Describe the main characters and their development throughout the game.
- Discuss their motivations, relationships, and any changes they undergo.
- Themes and Messages:
- Identify and analyze the central themes of the game.
- Discuss any messages or moral questions the game raises.
- Gameplay Mechanics:
- Explain how the gameplay mechanics support or enhance the narrative.
- Discuss any unique features or innovations in the game’s design.
- Personal Reflection:
- Reflect on your experience playing the game.
- Discuss what you enjoyed, what you found challenging, and any insights you gained.
- Introduction:
Grading Criteria:
| Category | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Content | Provides an in-depth analysis with strong understanding of the game’s narrative, characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics. Demonstrates critical thinking and insightful observations. | Offers a good analysis with a clear understanding of the game’s narrative, characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics. Shows some critical thinking and relevant observations. | Provides a basic analysis with a general understanding of the game’s narrative, characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics. Limited critical thinking and observations. | Offers a superficial analysis with minimal understanding of the game’s narrative, characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics. Lacks critical thinking and insightful observations. |
| Organization | Well-organized with a clear structure and logical flow. Each section is coherent and transitions smoothly. | Organized with a clear structure and logical flow. Most sections are coherent with minor issues in transitions. | Somewhat organized with a basic structure. Sections may lack coherence and have noticeable issues in transitions. | Poorly organized with little to no structure. Sections are incoherent and transitions are unclear. |
| Writing Quality | Excellent writing quality with no grammatical or spelling errors. Clear and effective expression. | Good writing quality with few grammatical or spelling errors. Generally clear expression. | Basic writing quality with several grammatical or spelling errors. Expression may be unclear at times. | Poor writing quality with numerous grammatical or spelling errors. Expression is unclear and difficult to follow. |
| Presentation | Engaging presentation with effective use of visuals. Clearly summarizes key points and maintains audience interest. | Good presentation with appropriate use of visuals. Summarizes key points and maintains audience interest. | Basic presentation with limited use of visuals. Summarizes key points but may not fully maintain audience interest. | Poor presentation with minimal or no use of visuals. Fails to summarize key points and does not maintain audience interest. |