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A (hopefully) Lucky Newt

5 replies [Last post]
Thu, 11/02/2017 - 14:29
LNG
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Hello! I'm not the best at this whole talking about myself thing, but I'll give it the ol'e college try.

My name is Laura, but you can call me Lucky, Newt, or LNG. I'm a full time security officer, part time writer, and part time dreamer. I was introduced to Eurogames about five or so years ago and have been in love ever since. Some of my favorite games are Carcassonne, Sushi Go, Mystic Veil, Ascension, and King of Tokyo. I've been to PAX West for eight consecutive years now, but I'm really looking forward to attending PAX Unplugged next year. I've also been in the same Exalted campaign for the past four years and recently joined the local Pathfinder Society.

I'm here because I recently came up with a handful of game ideas, one of which is being play tested. I really want to see these ideas come to fruition, so I thought it best to tap into the wisdom of those who came before. I also look forward to sharing what I learn from my own experiences along the way.

I suppose I could start with my first burning question: Is there a board or thread for verifying whether or not your idea has already been made? Thank you. If you've read this far, congrats, you get an internet cookie :p

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Fri, 11/03/2017 - 07:50
#1
AlexanderXy
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Hello Lucky, Newt, or

Hello Lucky, Newt, or LNG!

I'm a new member as well (part time dreamer too), and you will shortly see that this is a very welcoming community.

And as my own experience, the whole has this game idea already been made drama is very... common, but if so, don't let that take you down :)

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Fri, 11/03/2017 - 08:11
#2
let-off studios
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Welcome Laura!

Hello and welcome to BGDF. :)

You're in an exciting time: your first foray into making your own games. Carcassonne was my first-ever Eurogame as well, and it too sparked my interest in making my own game ideas into the real thing.

I agree with AlexanderXY that it's very common to see game ideas that are similar to those already seen somewhere, by someone else, some time. I'll also suggest that you not shy away from your own idea, for a number of reasons. It's fun to make games, you can actually make an enjoyable game that's similar to something else, and particularly since you've just started making your own games it's good to follow a pattern or formula you've seen elsewhere.

In fact, a common "first exercise" in game-making is to simply re-theme a game. A friend of mine (and published designer with several games under his belt now) often explains that he started making games when he re-themed Agricola to include dozens of Dave Matthews Band references. It's worked out great for him so far.

So go for it, have fun, and feel free to stand on the shoulders of giants. :)

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Fri, 11/03/2017 - 11:34
#3
Adam Leamey
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Joined: 02/23/2017
Welcome to the group lucky

Welcome to the group lucky hope you enjoy it here and look forward to hearing more
about your ideas.

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Mon, 11/06/2017 - 13:32
#4
Kohlstech
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Joined: 11/03/2017
Designing a Game

Hello LNG,

I am also new to this site, I have made many board games
some of which worked,some which did not.
I have always had most of my fun, in making my prototypes
and watching my friends an family play something i have spent time and
effort into making.

I may not be the best artist in the world, but love to find common things
around the house to use as game pieces or game boards.

Most of all have fun,enjoy it. It does not matter whether the game has been done before or if it is similar to some other game.
its original because you made it.

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Tue, 11/07/2017 - 04:14
#5
polyobsessive
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Joined: 12/11/2015
Don't sweat the originality

Hi Laura, and welcome to BGDF. I'm Rob.

I'd advise you to not worry about the originality of ideas. 99% of board game design is the implementation, including how you connect mechanisms, and all the playtesting and iteration. Even if you start with an idea that is very similar to a game that already exists, your final game is likely to end up very different, especially if you really are paying attention to those playtesters.

Also, if you are constantly worried about originality, you will never make any games. Making games is what builds your skills and makes you better at the craft, even if not all of those games are sellable, or any good. As you build your skills, the chances are that you designs (and ideas) will get more original and interesting without you thinking about it too much.

Good luck with your designs!

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