2. +
Some call them eurogames,
some say designer games,
but we’re going to just call
them strategy games.
3. +
Games are Fun!
Games have provided humans the opportunity to engage in
mental challenges, social interaction, recreation, and
competition for thousands of years.
Many new games are introduced each year, but few are
successful enough to merit production in subsequent years.
You, however, will create a classic bound to be played for all
eternity.
4. +
Luck vs. Strategy
Linear Path to victory
Few decisions
Few pros vs. cons
Unequal knowledge
No reason to plan strategy
Similar experience
Multiple paths to victory
Many decisions
Many pros vs. cons
Equal knowledge
Can play strategy that takes
many turns
Different experience every
game
Luck Strategy
7. Ideal Characteristics of
a Strategy Game
FUN
Interactive
Competitive
Cool Idea
Product matches
expectations
Creative
Frustrating
Purpose
Anything Else?
9. +
Characteristics of Strategy Games
Emphasis is on player decision-making, not luck
Inventive mechanics (what players do)
Allow for multiple strategies to win
Board and bits use symbols, not words, to create language
independence
A “clock”: A specific time-keeping device designed to keep the
game length consistent between plays
Examples include a set number of rounds, cards, when a particular
resource runs out, or some other configuration
No more endless games!
10. +
Components of a Strategy Game
Ideas
Theme
Objectives
Mechanics
End Game &
Victory
Conditions
Tangibles
Rules
Board
Bits
11. A specific subject or scenario world is created in which to immerse
players.
All elements of the game should reflect the theme.
Theme
12. +
Objectives
Stated goals players must achieve by the end of the game to win.
More complex games give players many different ways to achieve their
objectives, but they are harder to create.
13. The specific physical actions players must undertake to win.
In the case of Ticket to Ride, the mechanics are Card Drafting, Hand
Management, Route/Network Building, and Set Collection.
Mechanics
14. +
Rules
Successful rules clearly and concisely communicate to players what they need to know and what they
need to do in order for them to play the game as you intend for it be played.
In other words, you want to create an experience for players; the rules are the only way for players to
achieve that experience.
15. +
End Game & Victory Conditions
The event that triggers the end
of the game.
The method of determining the
game winner.
End Game Conditions Victory Conditions
16. +
Game Designer Roles
Game Player
Motivator
Graphic Designer
Writer
Engineer
Salesman
Public Relations
*Negotiator
17. +
Game Designer Skills
Communication
Written, verbal, visual, aural, persuasive
Observation and listening
Playtesting
Creative Thinking
Resourcefulness
Innovation
Analytical Thinking
Attention to detail
Troubleshooting
Teamwork & Independence
18.
19. +
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
• Roll and Move
• (or similar luck-
based movement)
• Killing or non-school
appropriate weapons
• War themes
• Sports themes
• Player elimination
20. +
The End Result
You will have created a complete physical prototype that is a testament to
your ideas and execution. It is a real product that others will be really
interested in.
http://boardgamegeek.com/article/5977099