Play the Game
Materials
Emoji-cize is a simple, flexible game with materials that can easily be printed out for use in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, it's a game that could be adapted to a mobile format.
Basic DIY Emoji-cize Game Kit
Game components include the following, which can be printed and cut out with scissors:
Emoji-cize is a simple, flexible game with materials that can easily be printed out for use in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, it's a game that could be adapted to a mobile format.
Basic DIY Emoji-cize Game Kit
Game components include the following, which can be printed and cut out with scissors:
- Step 1: Print the emotion cards (with associated emoticons and acting tips). The initial emotion deck can be printed using these PDF files, ideally on card stock.
- Step 2: Print the emotion chips (rewards earned by players for correctly identifying emotions, which are also used to keep score). These files should be printed on card stock.
*Note: for younger players or those with dexterity impairments, cutting larger squares may make cards and chips easier to grasp.
- Step 3 (optional): A timer can be used to keep time during rounds. A simple hourglass/sand timer can be used, or players can choose to use a stopwatch or the timer function on a mobile phone. This allows players to customize and adapt round times to fit the ability level and ages of players.
Rules/Instructions
Player 1 is an Android who doesn’t understand human emotions. It’s Player 2’s job, as the "Empath", to teach emotions and empathy to the Android. To do this, the Empath player must demonstrate emotions in a variety of ways. The Empath player will draw a card from the deck; each card has an emotion listed on it, as well as an associated emoticon. Each card also includes specific instructions about how the player must enact the emotion. For example: demonstrate the emotion of Anger using your eyes and mouth, or demonstrate the emotion of Grief using your whole body. When both players work together so that the Android can correctly identify the emotion, each is awarded an “emotion chip”.
- The "Empath" player
- Mechanics: the player draws a card, then takes 10 seconds to reflect on and feel the emotion. Then the player enacts the emotion, following the acting tips and instructions on the card.
- How this promotes the serious goal: the 10 second pause encourages the player to practice mindfulness; the player then draws upon his or her own experiences and self-awareness to enact emotions. The acting tips suggest connections between emotional states and associated behaviors
- The "Android" player
- Mechanic: the Android player tries to correctly identify the emotion based on the behavior of the Empath player.
- How this promotes the serious goal: the Android player learns to recognize and interpret facial expressions and body language.
- Team Play
- For team play, the Android team can work together to guess emotions. The Empath team elects one team member per round to draw cards and enact emotions.
Winning/Scoring
Players earn emotion chips for working together to enact and recognize emotions. Emotion chips consist of a variety of printed emoticons and facial expression based emojis. At the end of the game, the player (or team) with the most emotion chips wins.
Timing
Many players enjoy Emoji-Cize without the use of a timer, but for added difficulty a timer can be used. For each card drawn, the Android player has 1 minute and 10 seconds to correctly guess the emotion being enacted (the first 10 seconds are devoted to an "Empathy Break", allowing the Empath player to think about and feel the emotion on the card, drawing upon their experiences). If the player is unable to guess the emotion within that time limit, the Empath chooses another card to enact. Each round is 3 1/2 minutes long.
*Note: round times are flexible, and can be adapted to best suit the age(s) and abilities of players.
Extending the Game
Emoji-cize expansion packs are currently in development. These expansion packs will:
- Add difficulty
- Extend the utility and reach of the game
- Further expand players' emotional vocabularies
- Provide additional emotion chips
1. The Empath player draws an emotion card. For example, "Show that you're deep in thought using your face and hands."
2. The Empath player takes 10 seconds to reflect on and feel the emotion on the card (an "Empathy Break").
3. She then demonstrates/enacts the emotion using the provided acting instructions. For example, she might set her mouth in a firm line, furrow her brow, and place a finger on her chin. The emoji on the card may provide a starting point to help players consider how the emotion might be enacted. The difficulty level of the game can be adjusted based on the players' ability levels:
4. The Android player must correctly guess the emotion being enacted. The Empath player indicates when the Android has correctly identified the emotion on the card.
5. Both players earn an emotion chip for each correct guess. If the Android cannot guess the emotion correctly (and gives up), the Empath can choose another card.
6. If using a timer, the Empath player continues to draw a new card until the round time is up, at which point play rotates to the next team or player. If not using a timer, teams/players can switch roles after each correct guess.
Gameplay Video
3. She then demonstrates/enacts the emotion using the provided acting instructions. For example, she might set her mouth in a firm line, furrow her brow, and place a finger on her chin. The emoji on the card may provide a starting point to help players consider how the emotion might be enacted. The difficulty level of the game can be adjusted based on the players' ability levels:
- Easy: The Green Deck contains emotions that may be easier to enact and guess. In the Easy version of the game, no timer is used and the Empath player may make sounds but cannot speak.
- Intermediate: The Blue Deck contains emotions of medium difficulty. In an intermediate game, no timer is used and the Empath player cannot speak.
- Hard: The Pink Deck contains emotions that are harder to enact and guess. In a hard game, the timer is used and the Empath player cannot speak or make sounds.
- Freemoji Cards: Each deck contains a Freemoji card, which allows the Empath player to choose their own emotion to enact.
4. The Android player must correctly guess the emotion being enacted. The Empath player indicates when the Android has correctly identified the emotion on the card.
5. Both players earn an emotion chip for each correct guess. If the Android cannot guess the emotion correctly (and gives up), the Empath can choose another card.
6. If using a timer, the Empath player continues to draw a new card until the round time is up, at which point play rotates to the next team or player. If not using a timer, teams/players can switch roles after each correct guess.
Gameplay Video
References
Berman, R. (Producer). (1987-1994). Star Trek: The Next Generation [Television series]. Los Angeles, CA: Paramount Television.
Berman, R. (Producer) & Carson, D. (Director) (1994). Star Trek: Generations [Motion picture]. Los Angeles, CA: Paramount Pictures.
Berman, R. (Producer). (1987-1994). Star Trek: The Next Generation [Television series]. Los Angeles, CA: Paramount Television.
Berman, R. (Producer) & Carson, D. (Director) (1994). Star Trek: Generations [Motion picture]. Los Angeles, CA: Paramount Pictures.
