D&D Xbox x Rare Brief

Background

Rare have been making games for 35 years and want to create games the world does not have.

Part of Xbox Game Studios, Rare’s history spans a diverse range of games with broad appeal, but they are particularly proud of their experiences that make a positive impact on people’s lives through personal enjoyment, playing with others or being part of communities supporting the games. They believe people would welcome more games that foster and celebrate this kind of positivity.

Objectives

Emphasize how your idea makes a positive impact on the world.
Have a strong vision statement, ideally in one sentence and right at the start, so your aim is clear.
Highlight key features of the game that are core to achieving your vision.
Focus on the gaming experience. Keep detail on things like story and characters brief.
Think about emotions as much as mechanics, because how you want players to think and feel is as important as what you want them to do.
Show your idea in action using any appropriate method that helps understanding – it could be recorded play, video, storyboarding, concept art, real life images, doodling, live playacting or any form of prototyping.
Add in anything else you feel demonstrates why the game is a force for good in the world and how it will make players feel great.

Challenges

Rare want you to create a game that’s a force for good, that not only makes players feel good but also does good and makes an impact on the world.

Many popular games focus on violence and destruction; where failing or losing can lead to frustration and anger, with yourself and others. With so many of these games out there, it’s time to break the mould. Rare want you to create a game that encourages and champions the positive side of humanity and works to do good in the world, whilst still being enjoyable and exciting to play.

Market

They’re an audience who have experienced immense changes across the globe, both for better and for worse. They have seen the power of humanity and how joining together can create a force for good, and want to be a part of this change in a way that is authentic to them.

Big Idea

The world is bleak, lessons of morality and care knows no bounds; in Samurai your understanding of these bounds will be destroyed.

Storyboard:

The Lessons:

Lesson 1: Be remembered for the right reasons
- "Lack of something to feel important about is almost the greatest tragedy a man may have"
- Sometimes selflessness is the most selfish act of all
- Spike wanted to become a legend to elevate his own ego. He went through most of his life thinking only about himself and how he could become greater. While acting alone he was never able to achieve the status he sought so much. It was only after he realized what he had done and what was ahead of him that Spike changed. He achieved greatness the moment he started thinking of other people and not only himself.
Lesson 2: The Past does not define you
- "We can’t change what’s done, we can only move on.”
- Don't hold yourself back
- Spike was always defined by his action in the underground criminal world. Spike did everything he could to become a legend, even if that meant illegal activities. In the story he goes through a moment of acceptance of who he is and what he has done.. He understands that what happened in the past is not going to disappear but he wants to do as much good as possible with the time he has left.
Lesson 3: It's never too late
- "Take a gamble that love exists, and do a loving act."
- Tomorrow is promised to no one, so why wait to become a better version of yourself?
- It is never too late to seek redemption and to change. Spike understands that very late in his life, but most importantly he understands it. He knows what he has done is never going away. However, with the very little time he has left, Spike wants to live the last moments of his life being as righteous as he can be to help make the world a better place.

Collaborators

Gabriel Homem

Nicholas Abad

Strategy

Creative Strategy