The Iron Geek
NOTE, THIS IS INFORMATION FROM ANCON 2011. We know this will be held in
2012. Details by the End of February.
The Iron Geek Design Challenge is a single day, 4 hour design competition.
Like Iron Chef or Project Runway, participants must be creative and productive
while under time pressure. There is no time to let ideas simmer, or fiddle with
mechanics. It's got to work now. There are few thrills that match the fun of
driving your creativity so hard. There is also nothing like getting feedback
the same day about a design you've worked on, which will help you grow as a designer.
Participants will be divided up into teams. The team size will depend on the number
of participants. Experienced designers will be paired with newer designers whenever
possible. Participants will be given a topic, then they will design a game prototype
based on the topic. The topic will be a difficult concept that provides a challenge for
the designers. Topic examples are time, evolution and marriage.
At the end of 4 hours, participants should have a demonstration prototype and rough rules.
Cards and pieces can be judged for clarity and usefulness but not aesthetics. Every team
will have ten minutes to explain their game to the judge. Judges will be allowed 2 minutes
of questions. The judge will make their decision based upon the game design presentation.
Judging will be based on completeness, topic implementation, creativity, and interest.
Miscellaneous Rules:
- The game created should be playable in less than an hour.
- No team is permitted to continue to work on their game after the allowed time limit.
- A box of game making components will be provided. This will include papers,
pens, markers, index cards, card board, markers, poker chips, blocks, scissors,
spray mount, exacto knifes and more. Participants are allowed to provide additional components.
- A designated BOGA DaP member will be in attendance to “Referee” the event. Any unforeseen
issues that come up during the event will be resolved by the referee. The Referee will
also be available for limited idea feedback and playtesting.
- Participants shall remain in area designated for the contest.
Schedule for the event Held on Saturday May 21:
- 10:00 to 10:30am - Sign-in.
- 10:30 to 11:00am - Rules for the event are explained and teams are formed.
- 11:00am - A topic is randomly selected.
- 3:00pm - Design is finished.
- 3:10 to 4:00pm – Participants present designs. Each team is given a 10 minute presentation. Judges then are able to ask 2 minutes of questions.
- 4:30pm Judges give feedback and select winner.
This event is hosted by The Board Gamers of Greater Akron Design and Prototype Committee,
see www.bogadap.com for information about the organization.
Any questions about the competition can be emailed to info@bogadap.com.