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OneHundredDogs is the game design of Brenda Brathwaite created in response to the Game Design Challenge at GDC 2008. It tied for first place, and surrendered to Steve Meretzky’s design (“by a hair” according to the conference host). The games designed for this contest have never before entered production, and the competition isn’t designed to be a pitch for a product so much as a show of a designer’s ability to create something in response to a very challenging design problem. “An interspecies game” was this year’s theme, and creating a game that could be played by a human and another species was the challenge.
Is this a real game?
Short answer? Yes. It is a real and viable design, but until GDC, I’d not given thought to actually producing it. However, based on incredible feedback at GDC and even more in the days that followed, I am reviewing a few possibilities and production models. It seems the design of playing a game with your dog really struck a chord with people out there. In fact, and judging by the comments I’m receiving, it seems more people are surprised that this game wasn’t initially intended to enter production.
Will it be made?
Stay tuned.
Can I register now?
Yes. You can register via DogNinetyTwo at gmail daught com. We’re currently collecting cities, and welcome Lucky, our first registrant.
What is OneHundredDogs?
It is a Facebook ARG (alternate reality game) designed to be played in 50 cities across the country. In each city, local dogs will compete to become the city’s AlphaDog. Each AlphaDog then becomes DogOne, DogTwo, DogThree…. DogFifty. That’s when you meet the other 50 dogs – all virtual (and maybe with real world owners, too). Cities compete with one another, then work together to work their way up the scale, solving missions on a national level as they go. Ultimately, all 50 dogs will need to work together to solve a serious problem at the top.
Sometimes, you will need your human cunning to solve the mission. Other times, you will be led by your dog as he or she solves a puzzle your senses are not possibly equipped to. Human leads dog. Dog leads human.
Questions or comments on the GDC presentation? Feel free to leave them. Thank you.
