A Game Design Div III by Luke Townsend
Hampshire College, 2020
Seek the Horizon
Artist's Statement
For me, game design has always been about self expression, not only for the designers in what they want to create, but also for the players, in how they want to experience your game. I believe the foundation of any artistic medium is the experience you want the consumer to have. A game is, but not limited to, a tool, or an input opportunity to see such a creative output from the user. For me, I knew I wanted the utilizers of the tool I’ve made to sit down and play a board game with a storytelling aspect. My goal was for the players to have a personal connection to the game by allowing them to craft their experience and be the guide of how the game developed the more they play. If I could succeed, I’d be able to let loose the reigns of control and allow the player to grab hold, to truly create an experience of their own design.
Working on Seek the Horizon has truly been a wonderful experience. Blossoming from a small tile placement idea, Seek the Horizon has matured into a narrative experience that brings joy to the players everytime they sit down for a game. I never would’ve thought this game would be as successful a tool for self-expression and player-to-character connection as it is, and I’m reminded of it everytime I see someone play. Some players choose to project their own thoughts and ideals into their playstyle, choosing to be a character with redeeming qualities, similar to how they are in life. Others seize the opportunities I’ve provided and dawn the cloak of a character that is the exact opposite of how they are in life. The experiences are so fast that every session is unique, not only in terms of gameplay, but also for the player. I’m incredibly proud of the tool I’ve made, and excited to continue to see how players utilize it.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the art/graphics/textures/backgrounds used in game or depicted on this website. This project is a student product for educational purposes and is not used for profit in any way.