Launchpad Gamez

𝐓𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘:
Creating the Most Important Aspect of Your Game

Rule development is probably the single most important aspect of any game. While players can gloss over mediocre graphics or a very basic layout, they tend to reject games they cannot figure out how to play, and this is found in the rules.

How the rules are put together can vary depending on the style of game you are making, but almost all games should include three things in their rule set: game setup, gameplay, and winning the game.

In today’s post, we will cover the game setup.

In a nutshell, it tells the players how to get started. Consider describing how the players might arrange all of the different components of the game. An illustration or photo of a table setup can go a long way. Make sure to also include any special exceptions to the components (e.g., if playing with a certain number of players, certain cards should be left out or 4 dice should be set out instead of 3).

Another important reason to include the setup? It also acts as an inventory of sorts, helping ensure players have everything that’s supposed to be included in the board game.

𝐓𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘:
How Developing Your Story Can Help Improve Your Game

Aside from setting the mood, your board game story does two important things.

First, it usually helps identify the ultimate goal of the game. This is important because as you go through some of the other steps, you will want to keep the goal of the game first and foremost. The story influences other aspects of the design process such as audience, style, and length.

Second, it provides value for your marketing efforts. Whether on the cover of the box or on your website, the story is useful for drawing them into the mechanics of the game, what some people call “the hook.” A short well-thought out story can excite your target audience and make them want to explore what your game is all about.

So even if you are well past this step and have not crafted a story for your game, it's not too late to still derive value from this exercise. In doing so, you might even find ways to improve your game.