Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Sam Macdonald of @garphillgames discusses his religious journey and board game philosophy. Sam explores the connections between board game design and religious faith, especially in the areas of community, self-expression, rules, fun, and the joy of discovery. We also take a stab at potential games based on Biblical stories. Sam shares his thoughts on the importance of fun in both gaming and faith, and how games can facilitate fellowship and problem-solving. We also touch on the challenges of designing biblical-themed games and the balance between creating enjoyable experiences and conveying a message.
#boardgames, #faith, #gamedesign, #fellowship, #agency, #rules, #fun, #Bible, #gameplay, #senseofdiscovery, #victory, #theological insights, #problem-solving, #biblegames, #christianity #christianfaith #christianfaithchurch
Takeaways
Game design can reflect the heart of God by promoting fellowship, agency, following rules, and having fun.
The Art of Discovery in games, with hidden gems and Easter eggs, can create a sense of enjoyment and excitement for players.
Game design can provide opportunities for players to express themselves creatively and explore different strategies.
Following rules in games and in life can lead to a more peaceful and joyful experience.
The intersection of games and faith offers unique opportunities for exploration and growth. Finding new strategies and paths to victory in board games can be a fun and rewarding experience.
The Bible contains hidden meanings and connections between passages that can be discovered through deep reading and study.
Games can facilitate fellowship and problem-solving, providing a safe environment to solve problems and feel a sense of mastery.
The art of discovery can also be found in reading scriptures, where the Holy Spirit can illuminate truth to the reader.
Designing biblical-themed games can be challenging, as it's important to balance creating enjoyable experiences with conveying a message.
Sound Bites
"I want this game to bring about fellowship."
"I want players to express themselves creatively."
"I want people to follow the rules."
"Eventually if you get good at executing that strategy it will be a viable path to victory and it will make the game feel so different."
"There is a way to play it where you can be competitive. I won't say it wins every time."
"When you read the Bible deeply, you just start to realize... there's some amazing things to discover."
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Thank you for the video! These are the kinds of discussions that I relate to.
As we get older, we tend to hold onto serious matters but heaven will be filled with fellowship and joy, so I invite people to play Bible-based board games and find a good balance of joy.
Ezra and Nehemiah just came in and we played it! We like Biblical games with a solid theme, and this one has it! Thank you, Sam and Shem!
God is love and the most joyful in the universe, so true!
I can't tell you how excited I am to find out that the end of my time here is not the end of my time to enjoy Garphill Games!
Sam - thanks for sharing. (Fellow NZ Christian).
Thank you!
Nice interview, many recognizable things. I have often used board games to connect, especially with young people as a youth leader. It's great how inspiration and stories increase creativity in designing board games. I spoke to Sam & Shem in Essen and, as a photographer, I took beautiful images of Ezra and Nehemiah and posted them on BGG. Coincidentally, I received the game yesterday and am looking forward to the first game session. And Jonas discovers... wonderful humor on Scythia. Thank you. Henk Rolleman
Thanks Henk!
Great episode. As a youth pastor for over 30 years I have always believed the game table was akin to the communion table, everyone is welcome. Board games and card games have also played a big part in my family as well as my ministry. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much! We're really glad you liked it.
Joseph and Pharoah surviving famine could make a good game theme.
That is good!
Sam, what a good interview! I am in the process of learning Ezra and Nehemiah solo, via You Tube videos. Including yours and Shem's playthrough; thank you! Its my first Garphill game, plus Im pretty new to modern boardgames so its a challenge. Way off topic, a co worker and her husband (youth pastor) moved to New Zealand around 5 years ago from Florida. Her name is Alana. Any chance you know her? I don't remember her husband's name. 😊
Hey @honeylady108 - NZ is bigger than you think. I would need to know what city they're in (and what church they're a part of) :)
Thanks for picking up Ezra & Nehemiah. I hope you enjoy :)
In my opinion, Play Saves is a better name. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue and is likely easier to remember.
Thanks for the feedback! We will consider that.