Games Studies | Exercises

23 Apr 2025 -   4 Jun 2025 |

Chan Xiang Lam | 0358400 

Games Studies | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Exercises | 1 & 2

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TABLE CONTENT   

    1. Instructions 

    2. Exercises 

        - Exercise 1 | Personal Gaming Experience

        - Exercise 2 | Non-digital to digital

    3. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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EXERCISES

Exercise 1| Personal Gaming Experience

My Personal Gaming Experience - Seaside Escape 

In this task, I reflected on my experience playing Seaside Escape, a cozy hidden object puzzle game set in a tropical seaside resort. What makes it enjoyable for me is its relaxing atmosphere, beautiful visuals, and calm music. I usually play it at night or during free time as a way to unwind and de-stress.

The game mechanics I enjoy include:

• Tap-to-find hidden object gameplay
• Progression through levels
• Daily rewards and streak bonuses
• Occasional mini-games for variety

There’s no pressure or competition, making it ideal for casual players. The evolving storyline also adds motivation to keep playing.

Overall, Seaside Escape is a peaceful game that shows how quiet and relaxing games can also be very fun and satisfying.

Exercise 2 | Non-digital to digital 

Non-digital to digital - Evolution and remediating this game

In this exercise, I explored how the popular turn-based card game UNO has transitioned from a physical format to various digital versions. Despite the change in platform, the core gameplay remains the same, involving matching cards by color or number and using action cards strategically.

Key Similarities:

• Same rules and turn-based mechanics
• Objective to clear all cards
• Fun, strategic, and easy to play

Key Differences:

• Physical UNO offers real cards, face-to-face interaction, and a nostalgic, tactile feel.
• Digital UNO provides fast auto-play, rule enforcement, global access, visual effects, and online communication features.

Temporal Experience:

• Both versions are turn-based.
• Digital play is faster due to automation and timers.
• Physical play is more social and flexible.

2D vs 3D Versions:

• 2D: Simple, clear, quick to play.
• 3D: Visually rich and immersive, but can be slow and cluttered.

Conclusion:

UNO in both formats offers unique benefits. Digital UNO is fast and accessible, while physical UNO is social and hands-on. The choice depends on mood and context.

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REFLECTION

Through Exercise 1, I discovered how games like Seaside Escape can offer a calming and personal experience. It made me realize that not all games need to be competitive or fast-paced to be engaging. The visuals, peaceful music, and relaxing mechanics helped me understand how design can influence emotion and mood. It also showed me the importance of accessibility and simplicity in casual games, especially for stress relief.

In Exercise 2, I explored how UNO transitioned from a traditional card game to a digital version, and how the player experience shifts with it. This helped me appreciate how digital platforms can enhance convenience, speed, and interaction through features like automatic rule enforcement and online play. However, it also reminded me of the value of physical interaction and social bonding that traditional games provide.

Overall, both exercises gave me a better understanding of game design, user experience, and how different formats serve different purposes. It taught me to think not only about gameplay but also about how games make players feel, connect, and interact—both alone and with others.