- What Mechanics would you like to use for a game with a theme that revolves around being the size of a nanometer?
If I’m a nanometer, then I’d assume I’m in a nation that uses the metric system. Assuming that, I’d want a mechanic that allows me to hop from class to class within that system. Micro- to milli- to centi- to deci- all the way up to peta-.
- Who are you making games for?
I like making games that I would want to play. I’d consider myself a nice middle ground between the general population and game makers: smart enough to understand a high-level game but cool and chill enough to want to actually enjoy myself.
- Who will be your play testers outside of class?
My roommates and adjacent apartments. My sisters always want to try stuff from this class.
- Can you think of a game you were able to play without referring to the rules?
Soccer. At a pretty high level, as it would be.
- How do you define what a game is?
Rules. A game without rules is a toy.
- What features can make your games more intuitive?
More rules. Or rather, rules that are definitive, but allow alternate interpretations.
- What was your gateway game? What do you play to introduce others to gaming?
Tile rummy. I still don’t know the rules. But I still win an awful lot. We play it with my grandma. She gets pissed when I win. A lot of times when I’m at parties I like to play a virtual football game, and people like to watch me pick apart a virtual defense. Winning a fictional Super Bowl at a frat party is an ethereal feeling.
- What features do gateway games share?
Ease. And maybe a definitive ending. I’d like to know I won, and I’d like it to have been easy.
- What are the 10 beautiful mechanics and what should you aim for with your own?
- Kingmaker’s Noblesse Oblige
- BattleTech’s Heat
- Set’s Set-Making
- Magic’s Card Tapping
- Battle Cattle’s Cow Tipping Rule
- xXxenophile’s Popping
- Bohnanza’s Hand Order Rule
- Mississippi Queen’s Paddlewheels
- Time’s Up!’s Communication Breakdown
- Dominion’s Constant Shuffling
I’d like a degree of uniqueness, and I’d also like the players to be able to do the action in our real world. I like theatrics. I think you should be able to ham it up in a game.
- How does luck and strategy factor into game play?
I’d consider myself a lucky person. But that doesn’t mean I don’t strategize. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I always like assigning my own story to games I play. Sometimes it can be as simple as just changing the name of a character. For example, when I play Super Smash Brothers, I play as Mr. Game and Watch, and I make him green. That makes him Mr. Green and Watch. In doing that, I make the game mine. At least, that’s my rationale. And I’ve won enough things that I’m not going to change that approach.