Study for Game Design
To design and study board and card games effectively, start by understanding the principles behind game design and the mechanics of existing games. Game theory can provide insights into game design, but it's often more beneficial to immerse yourself in the modern tabletop gaming scene and study probability and combinatorics first.
For educational purposes, consider the purpose of your game, the ages of the intended players, and the goal of the game. Brainstorm ideas and create a list of concepts before you start designing.
Visual aids, such as instructional videos, are very effective for learning complex games. Look for well-produced, clear, and engaging videos from channels like Watch It Played, Before You Play, The Dice Tower, and RTFM.
When designing a board game, sketch out your ideas on paper first. This can be as detailed or simple as you want, but it will make building the game easier in the long run. Use cardboard or paper to design your board, or use design software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape for more precision.
For card games, you can use existing board game pieces or small items from around your house for game pieces. Alternatively, you can design and print your own cards using software like Microsoft Word or Adobe Illustrator, or use flash card apps to produce your own game cards.
To finalize your game, consider ordering professionally-printed components from services like The Game Crafter, and submit your game to publishers if you're interested in getting it on the market.
To effectively study and create good board and card games, you should focus on a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience. Here’s a structured approach to what you should study:
- 1. Fundamentals of Game Design
- Game Theory: Understand the principles of game theory to analyze and design game mechanics.
- Game Mechanics?: Learn about different types of game mechanics (e.g., resource management, set collection, area control, worker placement) and how they affect gameplay.
- Game Balance?: Study how to balance game elements to ensure fair and engaging play.
- 2. Probability and Combinatorics
- Probability: Essential for understanding the likelihood of events in games, especially in card games and games with dice.
- Combinatorics: Helps in understanding the number of possible outcomes and combinations in games.
- 3. Psychology and Player Experience
- Player Motivation: Understand what motivates players (e.g., achievement, social interaction, exploration).
- User Experience (UX) Design: Learn how to create intuitive and enjoyable game experiences.
- 4. Game Development Tools and Techniques
- Design Software: Familiarize yourself with tools like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Canva for designing game boards and cards.
- Prototyping Tools: Learn to use tools like Tabletop Simulator or physical prototyping materials (cardboard, paper, etc.).
- Digital Game Design: Consider learning basic programming and game development tools like Unity or GameMaker for digital versions of your games.
- 5. Existing Games and Case Studies
- Analyze Popular Games: Study successful board and card games to understand what makes them engaging.
- Game Reviews and Walkthroughs: Watch videos and read reviews from channels like Watch It Played, The Dice Tower, and BoardGameGeek.
- Game Design Books: Read books like "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell and "Challenges for Game Designers" by Brenda Brathwaite and Ian Schreiber.
- 6. Practical Experience and Playtesting
- Play a Variety of Games: Play a wide range of board and card games to understand different mechanics and player experiences.
- Playtest Your Games: Create prototypes and playtest them with friends, family, and other game enthusiasts. Gather feedback and iterate on your designs.
- Join Game Design Communities: Participate in online forums and local game design groups (e.g., BoardGameGeek, Reddit’s r/gameDesign).
- 7. Business and Publishing
- Game Publishing: Learn about the process of publishing a game, including finding publishers, Kickstarter campaigns, and self-publishing.
- Marketing and Promotion: Understand how to market and promote your game to reach a wider audience.
- 8. Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Intellectual Property: Familiarize yourself with copyright, trademarks, and patents to protect your game and avoid legal issues.
- Ethical Design: Consider the ethical implications of your game, including being age appropriate, morals, values.