The first optional branch: Archibald’s Workshop

Just as with the first two missions, this one is still in its gray-box form. If the term gray-box is new to you what this means is the game is playable and ready for playtesting but the graphics are not done. The graphics used are just place holders. The illustration will happen after the playtesting is complete and we are sure of our design. This is where you can download the first optional (3rd) of eight (8) missions.

This is a print and play version of the game. After you download the zip file then print the cards (both sides, turn on the short end), cut the cards apart, and assemble the deck. The rules of play are included in the deck so just follow what they say. There will be some blank cards that were used as spacers in the card files. Keep these extra cards you will be happy you have them later.

The playest on June 6th revealed that this mission is about 10 minutes to play. I went back and added some story so this mission went from 48 cards to 60 cards. The transition from the place in “Morning of the Big Game” where it branches makes more sense. I noticed that a mistake I make frequently is to leap in the story too far. I went back and filled in the blanks.

This was also the opportunity to use my collaborator’s clinical scenario that this level, “Jordan’s Story,” was based on. I thought that she really captured the inner voice of the twelve year old so I incorporated a part of her writing into this level. Here is the scenario that she gave me to work with. I think it might be interesting to compare it with the game to see how the project emerged.

The following was written by Dr. Karey O’Hara:

“Jordan stared at the ceiling, the glow of his bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the room. The quiet hum of the night settled around him, but his mind wouldn’t stop racing. He rolled onto his side, pulling the covers up to his chin, trying to push away the thoughts. He couldn’t.

His mom’s voice on the phone kept playing in his head. It wasn’t angry, but there was something... off. She didn’t usually sound like that. When he had asked her if she was okay, she smiled—kind of. But it wasn’t real. Jordan could tell. She always said everything was fine, but tonight felt different. Something was wrong.

Was it about money? Maybe they were arguing about that again.

Jordan’s stomach twisted. He hated when his parents fought, even if it was just on the phone. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

Maybe it’s not about money. It could be something else. Maybe it has nothing to do with me...

His chest loosened a little at the thought, and for a moment, he felt better. Yeah, it’s probably not about me. He turned over, pulling the covers tighter, telling himself he should go to sleep.

But then, the doubt crept back in, sneaking into his thoughts like an unwanted visitor.

What if it was because of the backpack? Or soccer? Dad said I shouldn’t play this year. What if they’re fighting because of that?

Jordan felt a knot forming in his stomach again. He didn’t want to play basketball. He wanted to play soccer with his mom. That was their thing. But what if that’s why Dad didn’t want him to play?

What if Dad thinks I’m choosing Mom over him?”