Crisis in the Capital

Overview

Looking to branch out during my second-to-last semester, I joined a special topics class focused on games and simulations. Despite being a UX student in a room full of game designers, this experience opened my eyes to how research and user expression intersect in complex wargaming formats.

The Problem

The central challenge was to utilize wargaming formats to educate players on complex and often uncomfortable political topics through gamification.

The Solution: Matrix Games

We utilized the Matrix Game format to help students understand how political crises spiral out of control. As described by Tom Mouat: “In a Matrix Game, you simply explain why something should happen, the Umpire determines the likelihood, and you roll a die.” This allows for high user expression and freedom.

My Role in Design

In the early stages, my primary role was world-building, where I helped create the fictional setting and lore of the nation of Takodana. Once the narrative foundation was set, I moved into developing technical deliverables.

Deliverables

Player Guide

I proposed and designed a player guide as an essential learning tool. This booklet bridged the gap between lore and mechanics, making the Matrix Game rules accessible to new players.

The Map

Using Figma, I designed the digital game board. We prioritized a digital format over physical to ensure the game was easily distributable and accessible for remote or local play.

Research Symposium Poster

Outcomes

Through iterative testing, our team identified usability issues that led to crucial redesigns, ensuring a low entry level while maintaining player freedom.

On a personal level, this project is being developed into an academic paper. I discovered a passion for applying UX research to highly technical, non-traditional fields like professional simulation.