Arena Catchup Call – 003

Call Recording: https://fathom.video/share/A1T_DAoW5arz-dh-1yvs2Q42NZ2icJDB

We started the call with a discussion of the Wheel of Time series – absolutely epic fantasy if you’ve not read it yet!

And then, we dove into the process behind how each of approached the design of our games. The mental model of hanging a bicycle chain up on a wall popped up.

Then, we dove into the CALM CORE OS – and I clarified that I’m not starting a cult…. yet.

We also arrived at a way of distinguishing the 8 futureproofing skills as mindset and skillset. (Thanks Neependra!)

Finally, an interesting discussion about AI and empathy popped up – and it was spicy!

Our Quests!

1. Rate ourselves on the CALM.CORE OS skills. This will serve as a baseline for our levelling up. Arena fiend Charan has built up a Google Sheet we can use (Thanks macha!)
2. Share your graph in the WhatsApp chat.
3. Review each other’s games and give feedback.
4. Continue adding entries into our design journal.

• Links Discussed
  • Character AI
    • https://character.ai/
  • Sesame
    • https://www.sesame.com/research/crossing_the_uncanny_valley_of_voice
  • Google AI Studio
    • https://aistudio.google.com/app/live
  • CALM.CORE OS
    • https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UAtxPOLJiMqaSz75XZHoKPA2wlfjy1_qqD67-_2bx98/edit?usp=sharing
  • How to invent everything
    • https://www.amazon.in/How-Invent-Everything-Survival-Stranded/dp/073522014X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
  • Instagram video about turning dishwashing into a questing RPG
    • https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgHCsPuI7I/
  • CALM.CORE OS Self Assessment Template (Click to copy)
    • https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1P0aQb-ewz-YsK523g0GIweUqBU3p2zbbDyfHGjvQ8Ps/copy

Here’s the stuff from the notetaker:

• Game Design Process Sharing
  • Participants shared their approaches to designing networking card games
  • Different starting points emerged: mechanics-first, narrative-first, desired player experience
  • Importance of playtesting and iterating on designs was highlighted
  • Discussion on balancing game complexity, pace, and social interaction
• Introduction of CALM CORE OS Framework
  • Framework of 8 key skills for thriving in an uncertain future
  • CALM: Creative thinking, Analytical thinking, Leadership, Motivation
  • CORE: Curiosity, Openness to change, Resilience, Emotional intelligence
  • Framed as “active” and “passive” skills that reinforce each other
  • Positioned as human-centric skills to complement AI capabilities
• AI and Future Skills Discussion
  • Debate on AI’s current and future capabilities, especially around empathy/EQ
  • Agreement that human-AI collaboration will be crucial going forward
  • Discussion on need for practical “hard skills” like carpentry, farming etc.
  • Idea of “skill bartering” in friend groups to share access to tools/knowledge