About the Kapcon Game Description Format

The format is designed to hopefully give people a better idea of the games they will be playing in. We will continue to modify this format until we find one that best meets the needs of the attendees and the facilitators. Feel free to provide feedback on the format.

Each of the sections of the game description format will be discussed below. If you are still in doubt after reading this, try looking at the games that are already listed for examples of how to fill out the fields.

Title

What you wish your game to be known as. Facilitators should try to come up with a descriptive and evocative title.

Facilitator
We use the term "facilitator" for the person or persons who design and/or run the scenario. We use this term to avoid using terms that have negative connotations for some players, such as "Game Master" or "Story Teller". The facilitator should enter the name they wish to be known by here.

System

This is the mechanics or rules system that is being used. Examples are D20 , Storyteller System, Paranoia, Traveller, etc. Where possible please include a URL linking to the system web site. Use the term "Freeform" if you are not planning on using any mechanics.

System Knowledge

How much knowledge will the game assuem about the game system you have chosen? Selected from

  • Not NeededThe system is very simple, all the player needs to know will be told to them when they start the game, or you're not going to use the system enough for it to be a problem.
  • UsefulIt would be simpler if the players already knew the system, but the facilitator and the scenario can handle people who didn't anything about the genre if they have to.
  • Preferred
    It would be better if people who don't know the rules chose another game.

Genre

Write a short two or three word description of the genre. Examples : Action/Adventure, Historical Romance, Space Opera, Anime with Mecha, Urban Horror, Mystery/Adventure, etc. Freeform textual description

Genre Knowledge

How much knowledge about the genre you have chosen will you be expecting the players to have? Selected from :

  • Not NeededNothing more than what any person would normally know about the genre is needed to play, or all informaton needed will be provided.
  • UsefulIt would be simpler if the players already knew the genre, but the facilitator and the scenario can handle people who don't know anything about the genre if they have to.
  • Preferred It would be better if people who don't know the genre chose another game.

Style

In what style will the game be played? Id it Narrative? Combat-oriented? Are there LARP elements involved? Is there likely to be a lot of puzzle-solving? Freeform textual description

RPG Experience

How much knowledge about the game system you have chosen will you be expecting the players to have? Selected from :

  • Not NeededThe system is very simple, all the player needs to know will be told to them when they start the game, or you're not going to use the system enough for it to be a problem.
  • UsefulIt would be simpler if the players already knew the system, but the facilitator and the scenario can handle people who don't know the rules if they have to.
  • PreferredIt would be better if people who didn't know the rules chose another game.

Age / Maturity

What age or maturity level is this game aimed at? What sort of themes are likely to be explored ? Is everyone going to be very silly or will silliness be frowned on? Free-form textual description.

Classification

This decision should be based on what you think the New Zealand film censor's classifications would be for your game. For people reading the description please be aware these are self-rated by the author.

  • GANothing you wouldn't see in a Disney cartoon.
  • PG
    There may be some things that are inappropriate for younger viewers, or could upset those of a timid nature.
  • PG13+Definitely not for kids, may be profanity or sexual innuendo, some disturbing themes, low-grade horror.
  • M Violence, profanity, sexual innuendo, or horror are to be expected. Alternatively, the themes in this game may be disturbing to most people.
  • RUltra-violence, sexual content, extremely disturbing horror or gore may be involved. Alternatively, the themes and memes in this game may be extremely disturbing or contagious

Energy / Volume

Is this a game where players are expected to jump about and scream like monkeys, or will such behaviour be frowned upon? Free-form textual description

Scored?

Will this game be scored and thus count towards qualifying for the various prizes? This is a choice of the facilitator, though even these games may still be eligible for some of the prize categories, such as the "memorable moments" prizes.

Blurb

Free-form textual description of what the game is about