Wasn't sure whether to put this in 'Game Design' or 'General', but I suppose this is the safer bet.
If it isn't too much trouble, I'd like to enlist your help coming up with a 'recommended reading' list of sorts...I've been substitute teaching lately, and one of my 3rd grade classes (8-9 yo) happened to contain an aspiring game designer. She's already made a few of her own Pokemon CCG cards, and also mentioned that she enjoyed/was good at drawing and math.
It's hard to tell how serious she was about the idea, but I'd like to give her a list of resources that would be helpful...not completely overwhelming for her reading level, but neither condescending. I can't think of any books off the top of my head, though I would've recommended this site if this last contest's entries were a little more consistently family-friendly. ^_^ So it seems to me the best I can offer is a little advice, roughly:
First, play lots of different kinds of games, learn how they work, and ask yourself as you play why you are (or are not) having fun. Keep up with those math studies, and also writing, since the best game idea in the world won't work if you can't explain it clearly in the rules.
Given that the only games she mentioned were 'mainstream', I figured that it would also be good to include a list of games I thought she should try. There are any number of 'good for kids' lists on the 'Geek, but I'm trying to suggest a whirlwind 'grand tour' of game genres/mechanics she might not have been exposed to.
1. Fairly inexpensive (despite the fact she can apparently afford a CCG)
2. Family-friendly (though fantasy themes are apparently OK)
3. Easy for her parents to find and learn/teach, since I won't be able to help them out with this.
Here's what I've come up with so far, but I'm sure both that I'm forgetting some absolute must-plays and including way too much for her parents to consider...so any suggestions for additions/removals would be most welcome.
Apples 2 Apples Jr. (word games)
Bang! (or) Citadels* (hidden roles)
Blokus (negative space)
Carcassonne H+G (traditional tile-laying)
Cartagena (tactical sacrifice)
China (majority control)
Coloretto (set collection)
Diamant (press your luck)
Bohnanza & High Bohn (trading)
For Sale (auctions)
Fearsome Floors (programmed movement)
Frank's Zoo (visualizing complex chains of consequences)
San Juan** (managing multiple resources)
Through the Desert (abstract strategy)
Transamerica (connection)
Zendo & Playing with Pyramids (logical induction, and it's a game design kit, too!)
*Bang! is probably easier to learn, but who knows what her parents think about firearms?
** Too complicated? Settlers, perhaps?
So...any suggestions on additonal/different advice or games to try? Thanks!
