What Big Brother Teaches Us About Game Design

Thanks to Skotos.net for their article discussing why the TV show Big Brother 4 is an example of good game design, and what we can learn from it. It's pointed out that "a group of n/2 (rounded down) + 1 people can dominate the game", if well-organized, but "the producers of Big Brother have made changes which dramatically reduce the power of a majority", including the ability to veto potential evictees. But it's argued the jury of previously evicted players voting on the final two contestants means "...if you backstab someone or betray them, even if it gets you further in the game, it could prevent you from winning." Is there a perfect strategy for winning Big Brother, and if not, is the concept of "unworthy winners" dissatisfying?

Comments

Unworthy winners

[BenEnglishAtHome]

I watched the first "Survivor" with great interest. Thought it was fascinating. Great concept. Lots of fun. Waited with great anticipation for the finale.

And then that psycho Machievellian POS won.

I haven't watched any of the cut-throat reality shows since. I think they're downright evil.

What Big Brother REALLY teach us is...

[AzraelKans]

*Morons can go with their ordinary lives watching actors pretending to be morons going with their ordinary lives (paradox abound)

*It is possible to create a show with the lowest production values and still make millions with it just by adding the motto: its entertaining because its real!

*A lot of people can't recognize bad acting and writting when they see it. (bad acting sensing impaired?)

*A significant part of the popullation in the US(and just about everywhere this show is a "hit") is in fact, lets be honest: not very smart.

*The "Big Brother house kit" shall simply contain a set of small cameras easy to hid in your neighbors house. Of course your neighbor should be warned he will be taped, and giving a poor written script (contained in the package) so he can at least try to be entertaining. You also should be prepared when your neighbor gets his "Big Brother house kit." maybe its time to get some lingerie

*You should prepare to be tortured by this show, its millions of clones and iterations which contain such important, thrilling and breath taking scenes such as "people having breakfast", "people using the bathroom", "people sleeping", "people sitting in their asses talking nonsense" and most specially "people you couldnt give a damn about storming about who should be out of your tv set (hint: all of them!)".

Entertainment at its best!