- What Mechanics would you like to use for a game with a theme that revolves around being the size of a nanometer?
There would have to be different ways to move around, depending on the size of the board. If the board is very large in comparison to the character, then some transportation options should be present to allow for movement. Maybe teleporting, plane ride, car, etc. But those could be allowed through the drawing of cards or a rolling of dice.
- Who are you making games for?
I’m making games that I would like to play. It is slightly selfish but as someone who hasn’t ever been very interested in card games/board games, I would like something that I consider fun to play
- Who will be your play testers outside of class?
My play testers will be my friend group and roommates. Together there’s a solid group of about 8 of us that could cycle through and play test, which is particularly important so that I can sit out and take notes.
- Can you think of a game you were able to play without referring to the rules?
Uno. But Uno always has some variation in the rules depending on who you’re playing with and how they learned how to play. (ex: stacking +2 cards)
- How do you define what a game is?
A game is a game if it has a set of constraints or rules and a desired outcome to win. There are of course many variations within this definition, however.
- What features can make your games more intuitive?
Using features that other popular games already have, but adopt them to fit the needs of your game. If people are already comfortable with familiar game systems, it will be easier to learn.
- What was your gateway game? What do you play to introduce others to gaming?
My gateway game was Minecraft. My interest in video games grew exponentially from there and have even built more than 5 computers specifically for the purposes of gaming. I introduce people to the Little Nightmares series when I try to get people to play games because it has a clear left-to-right progression system, allows for structured but free movement, and it’s control system isn’t difficult to learn.
- What features do gateway games share?
The rules are easy enough for anyone to follow
- 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
- Times up! Communication breakdown
- Dominions constant shuffling
In our own games we should aim to emulate the success of the above listed mechanics, and use parts of these to develop our own new mechanics that work specifically for our games.
- How does luck and strategy factor in to game play?
Luck introduces a level playing field to either ensure that all players have an equal chance at winning or at the very least, finishing well. It can also make players feel as though they have had a number of small victories in a game even if they didn’t win. While luck is introduced by the game, it is on the player to utilize their luck and decide how they will strategize. It’s a lot of times entirely possible to win without strategizing, but it of course helps