Game Design — Merit Badge

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Scout	AWARD	Req 1		Req 2	Req 3	Req 4				Req 5				Req 6			Req 7			Req 8Complete any one
Scout		1a	1b	2	3	4a	4b	4c	4d	5a	5b	5c	5d	6a	6b	6c	7a	7b	7c	8a	8b
Anjali S.First Class	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Jack P.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Lucy L.Tenderfoot	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Oliver V.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Veronica K.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□

Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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For the whole badge

Analyze four games from different media; chart to compare and contrast

Describe four types of play value with an example game for each

Discuss FIVE of 17 game design terms, relating each to a specific game

Define intellectual property; describe its types, protection, and a licensed property

Pick a rule-changeable game; summarize standard rules and play normally

Propose rule/objective changes; predict effects on gameplay

Play the game with one rule or objective changed

Explain how changes affected play; discuss prediction accuracy

Write a vision statement: medium, player format, objectives, theme

Describe why someone would want to play your game

Make a preliminary rules list; define the resources

Draw the game elements

Prototype your game (concept approved first); address player safety

Playtest, fix rule holes, change at least one rule, and retest

Repeat the test-and-revise cycle at least two more times

Write a complete instruction sheet (setup, play, end, objectives)

Have new players play unaided; record their feedback

Review notebook with counselor; suggest one or more changes

(Do any one of the following)

Visit a game-development professional about their job

Meet a game-development educator about classroom skills