WQNick

toc =Introduction : = Probability has been used in creating games and game shows for many years. A modern day example of this is the NBC show “Deal or No Deal”. If this concept is new to you then fear not, in the next few weeks you will learn everything you need to understand probability, expected value and its applications to games. =G.R.A.S.P.S= = =

=Task =
 * Goal || The goal is to create a game or game show based on probability and expected value, to be submitted to Donald Trump's corporation to be selected as their newest marketed game. ||
 * Role || You will be part of a Hollywood or New York City design team. ||
 * Audience || The audience will be Donald Trump and his hand-picked selection committee. ||
 * Setting || Donald Trump is looking for the next great game or game show. You must create a game that is creative and appealing to the selection committee. You must use probability and expected valued to create and prove that your game satisfies Donald Trump's criteria; the game is challenging, entertaining, possible use of multiple participants also if it is a game show would it be cost efficient to be aired on television and would it offer high reward to the contestant(s) playing. ||
 * Presentation || Each group will have to design a product appropriate to the game you create. If you create a game show you should video tape a demonstration of it, and have a write-up describing the math behind the game. If you chose to create a board game or other type of game, you should create a prototype of it and create a PowerPoint with the rules and math behind the game. All write-ups/PowerPoints/Videos will be uploaded to the class wiki to be viewed by the class and whoever else would like to view them. ||
 * Standards || Each group will be graded using two rubrics. The first will grade each group on creativity, content, organization and marketability. The second rubric will grade each group on content, preparedness, proper usage of each member in group and eye contact. ||

= = The Donald himself has turned to our class to use our knowledge of probability and expected value to create a marketable game or game show for him and all of America to enjoy. As a class we will split up into design teams of four members each (a producer, writer, materials gatherer and a marketing guru). The task is to make a challenging yet rewarding/entertaining game that is "fair" based on your knowledge of probability and expected value. If you create a game show be sure to include the expected winnings and if you make a game (i.e. board or card game) be sure to use expected value to set up your game and its rules. All products will be presented in front of Donald Trump and his selection committee. Game shows should be video taped with a PowerPoint presentation including the rules and a description of the mathematics behind the development of the game. Board games and other games should include a prototype (it is up to the group to use any or no technology in creating the prototype) along with a PowerPoint presentation including hyperlinks and/or videos that will provide readers with a deeper understanding of the game, it's rules and the mathematics behind the development. These products will be uploaded to an Internet resource dedicated to games. Step 1: Once you have been assigned to your groups, as a group you need to determine who has what job. The four jobs are producer, writer, materials gatherer and marketing guru. Once you have done that as a group decide what kind of game do you wish to make. A board game, a game show or any other type of game (approved by your teacher) can be made. It is important for each member to do their job, the producer should be leading the discussions, the writer should be taking notes and outlining the discussion, the materials gatherer should get any supplies needed and the marketing guru should continually be thinking if the game ideas are marketable in America and who would the target audience be. Looking for game ideas? Visit the following sites to research: [|game shows], [|board games], [|card games]. Step 2: Now that you have your groups and have chosen a type of game to create, it is now time for you to start exploring different probabilistic concepts your game could have. For example if you have dice being rolled in a game, you can examine the probability of rolling a certain number or sequence of numbers and applying those probabilities to your game. By step 3 you should be able to create a template for your game describing it through probability. If you are thinking of making a board game you should be able to have some sort of idea as to how likely it is to land on certain spaces. Step 3: Be sure to incorporate expected value into the creation of your game. To know the expected value of an outcome can allow you to have some sort of idea how the game will play out. For example if you have a game like NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” it is worth knowing what the expected value would be for a contestants winnings for any given show show. That way there you would know how much money the show would need to make to keep it running. It does not make sense to have a game show where you give out a a grand prize every show. Be sure to have some expected values calculated and be able to use them to describe and define your game and its rules. Step 4: Now that you have examined your game and the possible different probabilistic ideas that could go with it, it is now time for you to start designing your game. To do this you should outline your game and how it would work. Be sure to use what you learned about your games potential probabilities in the previous step. It would not make sense to create a game show that yields a grand prizewinner every time. Step 5: Make a rulebook for your game. It is important for potential players to know how to play your game and understand it. This rulebook should be written up using a PowerPoint slideshow that will ultimately be posted on the Internet for anyone to access. Step 6: Create a prototype or video example of your game. This will be used as part of your presentation to Donald Trump and his selection committee. This is the area where you really try to sell your game to the selection committee. For an example a game show could be video taped as if it were on television, or a board game prototype could be produced to offer a physical example of your game. Step 7: Present your groups product (prototype or video) and PowerPoint to Donald Trump and his selection committee and see if you’re product will be selected by the committee!
 * Process**:

=Conclusion= Donald Trump would like to thank our class for our knowledge and willingness to create and submit a game to his contest. The winner of the contest will be announced a week from the presentation day. The winner will receive a patent and the needed funds to make their game come alive and be marketed to all of America. All other groups that did not get selected certainly have a bright future ahead of them in the game marketing industry!

On a side note, as a class, if you think you and your group's game is worthwhile to America, you are encouraged to send your idea to any game development corporation at you and your groups discretion.