DAY 3: Let’s Make A Game
BRAIN TEASER:
Step 1: Grab a six sided die and something to draw with/on. If you don’t have a die handy, just use this dice rolling simulator.
Step 2: Roll your die three times and consult the chart below.
| You are going to create a product that… | And that has… | And will be sold to… |
| 1 – Glows very brightly | 1 – Multiple spinning helicopter blades | 1 – Cyclists who are also werewolves |
| 2 – Emits a strong smell of cinnamon rolls | 2 – An engine powered by a gerbil wheel | 2 – Gymnasts with sweaty palms |
| 3 – Writes down everything you say | 3 – An addiction to comic books | 3 – A swarm of bees |
| 4 – Clones animals, but only hamsters | 4 – A water cannon that fires high-pressure coffee | 4 – Your parents, but they’re robots |
| 5 – Fires confetti whenever someone within 100 feet thinks about baseball | 5 – A toaster for a head | 5 – A bodybuilder |
| 6 – Attracts frogs | 6 – Exceptionally large feet | 6 – Some guy named Jeff |
Step 3: Now, come up with your product. Be able to describe it, draw a picture if you have time, and explain how you would sell it to your audience. You have 10 minutes. Go!
The Rules of the Game
Look at the following rule books. What common, effective strategies or patterns do you notice all three of these rule books using to make their games more understandable.
- Blokus
- Munchkin (Local designer)
- Gruff (Local designer)
- Arcane Alley: Moonstruck Market (Local designer)
Effective Rule Book Writing
(Let’s write down what you noticed)
Now on to construction…
When you have completed your rule book, you’ll need to begin construction of your game so we can test those rules. Here are some do’s and don’ts
| DO… | DON’T… |
| Keep it simple. | Spend a lot of time making gorgeous looking pieces and cards in the early stages. |
| Be consistent. Try to use the same language or terms throughout your game. And don’t forget, symbols go a long way. | Feel like you have to sound “smart”. The name of the game is clarity. |
| Use components that just about anyone would have in their house (coins, buttons, checkers, chess pieces, etc.) | Require hyper-specific pieces. We probably don’t have them, so we won’t be able to play test with you. |
So, how do I make this?
Well, you’ve got two great options:
- GameStructor – It’s free and not terribly difficult to figure out, though it is a bit clunky at times. You can share your games with us, but unless you have a paid account, anyone can find your games and look at them. Also, you will need an email address to make an account.
- Physical Copies – Remember, KEEP IT SIMPLE. When you’re in the early design phase, it’s all about those rules. Paper, pencils, scissors, some colors, maybe a die or two, and you’re good to go. We’ll try to play along with you as best we can via camera. You’ll just have to move us around.
BONUUUUUUUUUUUUS CHALLENGE!
- Go to the Gruff LCG website and check out their free coloring book. Print your favorite Gruff and/or Shepard and color them. Show us the finished product at the start of class.
- Continue yesterday’s bonus challenge.