Intro
Welcome to board game design! If you are here, it is because you love playing tabletop games, modifying those games, and possibly making up your own games. I’m very curious to learn about your experience level when it comes to games. Please take this survey to tell me about your favorite games and your level of experience when it comes to design.
There are essentially two ways to start designing a game: mechanics and theme. Starting with your games mechanics means you already have a set of rules in mind. “I like Yahtzee, but I think we can make it better!” Starting with the theme means that you have dreamed up a cool game concept, but you don’t have the rules. “I’m going to create a game about mutant-cyborg guinea pigs that live under an army base!”
You’ve probably played Dot-and-Boxes at some point in school. Especially if your teacher is teaching an impressively boring lesson. Let’s play really quickly.
Activity: Now that you know the rules, what changes could we make to the rules to make it more interesting? Take five minutes to come up with a new rule that you would add to the game.
Now, let’s try them out!
Watch this video explanation of King of Tokyo. Can anyone tell what existing game King of Tokyo is based on?
Watch this video about starting your design with a theme.
Brain Engage #3: What Are The Benefits Of Designing From A Theme?
Brain Engage #4: What Should You Watch Out For When Designing From A Theme?
We’ll use K2 on Tabletopia. Watch the review below to get an idea of what you’re in for.
Brain Engage #5: What are things that Persephone likes about the game? What are her dislikes? What does this tell you about designing your own game?
Now lets go to Tabletopia where we’ll make a free account and try playing K2 for ourselves.
And just like that, we’ve got the start of a game!
Now, go to the Day 1 Lesson and complete this for your own game.
BOOOOONUUUUSSS CHALLENGE: