After reading random blog posts from some classmates in T545, I started thinking about what elements I could transfer from my previous experiences as an artist, teacher, and consumer of media and art. Like a neon sign, flashing out of my past, I remembered something I used to teach (I am sure I didn't come up with it myself, but I don't know whom to credit)... every great piece of art (and writing, and maybe other things as well-music, dance) has three elements:

Bang-the thing that initially gets your attention

Grip-the element that makes you want to continue looking/reading/listening/etc

Life-the part that you emotionally connect with/that makes you want to go back for another look or re-read

Now I want to relate these to games, World of Warcraft to be specific...

Bang! Upon initial gameplay, there wasn't anything that grabbed me. Other games, like Kingdom Hearts and Rock Band, have compelling introductions that really get my attention.
Grip... Now that I have played for a few hours along with my comrade and have started achieving success, I do feel compelled to continue engaging with the game.
Life- I want to achieve more. I want to explore new capabilities that my character has recently gained. I am excited about the opportunities. I see possibly endless elements that could be added to gameplay to keep me involved.

None of these elements are as strong in my mind as they are for The Secret of Monkey Island. Maybe I'll blog about that later.


A guilty admission- I remembered this morning that what initially brought my attention to the existence of this game was an episode of South Park. Woe is me! :P