Games Studies - Exercise 1 & Exercise 2

on

22.04.2025 - 06.06.2024 (Week 1 - Week 7)

Chang Yu Rou | 0374168 | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Game Studies GCD61504

Exercise 1 - Personal Gaming Experience & Exercise 2 - Non-Digital to Digital


TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. INSTRUTIONS

▸  !MI_GCD61504 Games Studies_042025

2. PRACTICAL

Exercise 1 - Personal Gaming Experience

My Favourite Video Game: CANDY CRUSH SAGA

fig 1.1 Screenshot of Candy Crush Saga Video Game

🍬Introduction - Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga is a match-3 puzzle game developed by King, launched in April 2012. One of the most successful and addictive mobile games ever, with billions of downloads. Players match colored candies in combinations to achieve objectives in each level. It’s a free-to-play game, but includes optional in-app purchases. Candy Crush Saga is part of a series, including Candy Crush Soda, Candy Crush Jelly, and Candy Crush Friends. Personally, it’s a game I keep coming back to, even if I stop for a while, I always find myself playing again.

😍My Candy Crush Journey - How I Started Playing

My favorite game, Candy Crush, first entered my life back in primary school. It was a long car trip, and my mom let me play on her phone to pass the time. The colorful candies and the fun sounds made me come back to it even after I changed several phones. Even in university, I still play it daily; Candy Crush is the perfect study break or the best way to fill the gaps between classes. What I find surprising is that this simple game has been with me through all my life’s changes. In high school, I’d compete with my friends, making them beat difficult levels. During exam sessions, it was my only comfort. The game never gets old, as you always have new levels to beat. I think what I enjoy most about it is that it’s both strategic and a game of luck. Some levels take several days to beat, but it only makes the ‘Sweet!’ pop up more satisfying.

✨How The Game Works

fig 1.2 Screenshot of Candy Crush Saga's video game designs
  1. You match colorful candies by swapping them with your finger.
  2. Line up 3 or more identical candies to make them disappear.
  3. Special candies explode when you match 4 or 5 in a row.
  4. Every level gives you different challenges to complete.
  5. You only get a limited number of moves to finish each level.
  6. The game gets harder as you advance to new levels.
  7. You can earn boosters to help with tricky levels.
  8. It's easy to play but challenging to master completely.

👑Why Candy Crush is So Unique

fig 1.3 Screenshot of Candy Crush Saga Video Game different level 

Candy Crush stands out because every level feels fresh and exciting. Unlike other games that repeat the same challenges, this one keeps surprising you with new obstacles and goals. Some levels are easy (Normal), while others make you think hard (Hard). Then there are those nearly impossible ones (Nightmare) and the super-tough legendary levels that test your skills to the max!

What really makes it special are the fun power-ups. The striped candy clears whole rows, the wrapped candy explodes like a bomb, and the color bomb can wipe out all candies of one color. There is even a cute fish candy that swims across the board to help you! Each power-up works differently, so you must learn how to use them wisely.

Plus, the game keeps adding new candies and challenges, so you never get bored. One day you are breaking chocolate, the next you are fighting against time. That is why, after all these years, Candy Crush remains one of the most fun and addictive games ever! 🍬😊

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Exercise 2 - Non-Digital to Digital

Non-digital to digital - Evolution and remediating UNO

fig 2.1 UNO non-digital to digital

🎮Introduction

UNO is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by players worldwide since its creation in 1971. With the rise of digital gaming, UNO has successfully transitioned into various digital formats, including mobile apps, console versions, and online multiplayer platforms. In this post, I’ll explore how UNO’s gameplay translates from physical cards to digital screens, compare the differences and similarities between the two versions, and discuss whether 3D adaptations enhance or detract from the experience.

😍Original Gameplay (Non-Digital UNO)

UNO is a fast-paced, multiplayer card game where the objective is to be the first player to discard all their cards. Key mechanics include:
  • Players take turns matching a card from their hand to the top card of the discard pile by color, number, or symbol.
  • Special cards like Skip, Reverse, Draw Two, Wild, and Wild Draw Four add strategic depth.
  • The first player to empty their hand shouts “UNO!” (if they forget and get caught, they must draw two extra cards).
  • Physical gameplay involves shuffling, dealing, and manually playing cards, with social interactions like bluffing and quick reactions.
📲Digital Adaptation of UNO

Digital versions of UNO (e.g., UNO Mobile, UNO on consoles) retain the core rules but adapt the experience for screens.

📌Similarities Between Physical & Digital UNO
  • Same Rules: The gameplay remains unchanged—matching colors/numbers, using action cards, and calling "UNO."
  • Multiplayer Focus: Both versions emphasize playing with friends or opponents. 
  • Strategic Depth: Special cards (like Wild Draw Four) function the same way.
📌Differences Between Physical & Digital UNO

Figure 2.2 shows a table I created using Canva to present the differences between Physical and Digital UNO.

📝2D vs. 3D Versions of Digital UNO

Some digital UNO games offer 3D adaptations, where cards and tables have depth and animations.

Benefits of 3D UNO
🎮 Visual Appeal: More immersive with animated cards and dynamic camera angles.
🎮 Enhanced Game Feel: Card throws and effects (like explosions when winning) make it more engaging.

Disadvantages of 3D UNO
💥Distraction: Fancy animations may slow down gameplay.
💥Overcomplication: UNO is simple, 3D doesn’t necessarily improve strategy.
💥Performance Issues: Requires better hardware compared to 2D versions.

📝Conclusion: Is Digital UNO Better?

✅ Pros of Digital UNO:
  • No setup needed, play anytime.
  • Online multiplayer connects distant friends.
  • Automated rules prevent disputes.

❌ Cons of Digital UNO:
  • Lacks the tactile feel of physical cards.
  • Reduced social interaction (no real laughter or reactions).

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