Games

Traditionally, computer and video games have put players in control of tough, simple, action-oriented characters. Kingpin, a new Massively Multiplayer Online game designed by Herb Yang, attempts to change that dynamic by giving players the opportunity to lead and control their own gang of street thugs instead of simply acting as a fist-for-hire.

By putting players in a management role, Yang hopes to create a multiplayer experience based on strategic and diplomatic thinking, an MMO in which players will truly invest themselves in the building of their "turf." The players will grow attached to the members of their crew as they follow their successes and failures; and their decisions, which may give their crew members personal benefits or place them in serious danger, will therefore have emotional consequences. By acting as the boss and gaining access to the "big picture" of the criminal world, Kingpin players will make meaningful, interesting choices that will help create a complex emergent story between the game's players.

The style and gameplay of Kingpin were drawn from a diverse array of inspirations. Key influences were Grand Theft Auto (which portrayed the life of a criminal in an fun and engaging way), The Sims (in which simple behaviors creating complex situations) and World of Warcraft (where the balance of gameplay and social activity has been extraordinarily successful). This criminal "sandbox" MMO will hopefully merge the strengths of these sources into a uniquely compelling game that is simple to play while creating complex narrative situations.

A playable prototype of Kingpin in now available online as part of Herb Yang's thesis exhibition. His paper, further explaining the research and development that went into Kingpin, can be accessed by clicking here.