Every game is built on the foundation of resources, victory conditions, and player interaction. I discussed the principles behind these here, but today I want to go into some more specific examples and categories of each. Mix and match these systems (or add your own) to create an endless variety of games. Types of […]
We are back with a deep dive into Collectible Game Core Engine Design. For an overview of collectible game design, click here. Core Engine Design is the starting point for building collectible games, and it can be intimidating to try and build a system with so many moving parts. Don’t let the open ended nature […]
For anyone who wants to design a collectible game, this is the series for you. Whether you want to make a collectible card game, miniatures game, or if you just want to add collectible components into your designs, these principles are here to guide you. What is A Collectible Game? I define a collectible game […]
This post has been modified and updated on steemit! You can learn so much from games. In fact, gaming is compelling to us precisely because it teaches us. Games provides a safe training ground to learn the skills we need in life without risking real danger. After playing and designing games professionally for over 15 years, here are […]
I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out who I really am. As a philosophy major in college, I engaged in esoteric discussions about the nature of identity, meaning, and reality. Lately, my thinking has been on a far more personal and practical level. How should I live my life? What do I care about? […]
Before I pursued the life of a professional game designer, I went to law school. I didn’t particularly enjoy the experience, but the insights that I learned there have served me well in both my design career and in starting my own business. One key takeaway: you always need a good lawyer on your side. […]
I am excited to announce that I will be giving a talk at SXSW, March 19th on How to Design Collectible Games. I hope many of you will be able to attend, but don’t worry if you can’t! I’ll post the material here on the blog after the event. Please help spread the word and I look […]
“Have you ever thought of something that seemed so great in your head, but you had no idea where to begin? How do you overcome obstacles when your idea doesn’t seem to work as well in reality as it did in your head?“ These are two great questions, posed by my good friend Donnie Noland. […]
The year is 2008 and I am debuting the World of Warcraft miniatures game at San Diego Comic Con to over 2000 impatient WoW fans. I’d never spoken in front of so many people before and I was terrified. I’d spent three years of my life building this game, and now was the moment of truth. […]
As part of my series on publishing your games, I’m excited to interview Scott Elliott, game industry veteran, VP of Business Development at Gen Con, and long-time friend. While my last article focused on using conventions to pitch your tabletop game to other publishers, Scott focuses on how you can self-publish and get the word out […]