Mecha LAN RPG

Creator, Game Designer & Writer

Team Size: 4 | Genre: Science fiction, dystopian, RPG

In 2023, I created the world of Mecha LAN Party. I designed it to be a LARP that could be accessed remotely, using video conferencing software.

I designed the mechanics, features, characters and equipment with the help of three other designers. You can access the complete document of the game using this link.

Development Process & Timeline

A detailed breakdown surrounding the development of the game, and my contributions at each step of the production.

Writer's Room & Ideation

Summary:

Scheduled a meeting with other game designers, and led a brainstorming session identifying:

Core Pillars of the Project
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Deliverables
Team skills, abilities and specializations.
Game mechanics, systems and player-facing features.

After developing a ruleset for the LARP, I tasked each member a different encounter and game design document (GDD) section to focus on within a constrained timeframe.

I created a Kanban board outlining the different tasks, responsibilities and deadlines for the deliverables to complete an MVP in a timely manner.

Skills:

Writer's Room Management
Project & Scope Management
Brainstorming & Ideation
Gameplay & Systems Design
Agile Methodology Implementation
Kanban Production

Production & Delegation

Summary:

During the production of the game, I contributed to a list of different mecha types and pilot personalities players could adopt in their sessions, along with three other designers. Additionally, we created the Chaos Interruption system to add a new element of gameplay in the LARP genre.

I made sure that the content resonated with the gameplay experience we had designed for our target audience.

Throughout the agreed-upon timeline, I checked in with team members to ensure alignment and maintain the different collaborators up to date with progress updates, blockers and additional information.

Skills:

Gameplay & Systems Design
Narrative Production
Writing for Games
Narrative Design

I forgot to take a screenshot, but the LARP was designed for video conferencing calls with unique backgrounds that resemble the cockpits from a mecha.

Implementation & Testing

Summary:

We were able to organize an internal playtest, before presenting the game to our friends and family and obtain valuable feedback, comments and suggestions on the current model.

Feedback & Post-Production

Summary:

Once we completed the playtest, we implemented a few changes to polish the MVP and submit it on time to the organizers of a competition. Updates are currently still in the works, but it was a great introduction to writing, designing and completing a LARP.

Skills:

Editing, Revision & Polishing
Quality Assurance & Playtesting Organization
Prioritization Matrix
Community Building
Project Completion