Hi, I have a whole game in my head, but I'm finding it hard to write down the rules. Is their any articiles, software, etc. that could help me? Oh, and if it matters, the game I have invented is a settleing/colonizing game.
Getting the Rules Down
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 15:53
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 16:28
#3
Getting the Rules Down
I find the best way to do things is to just dump all my ideas in notepad or something, no matter how messy.
After I get it all down I try and clean things up and sort things out. If you really want to get technical you can try downloading a template for a design document, but that's a little overkill in my opinion.
Going back to what I said before, I've got about 10 txt files with just rules dumped into them just waiting to get sorted out :)
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 16:34
#4
Getting the Rules Down
I found this on the DaVinci Games website (through a news article on the front page) which gives a very good template for writing rules, describing the standard sections of number of players, goal, initial setup, how to play, game end conditions, etc, that might help you out. It's a zip file with a pdf inside.
http://www.davincigames.com/download/how_to_write_a_standard_rulebook.zip
I agree with SiskNY, writing rules is much easier once you've playtested the game a few times, either solitare or with others, so you know what's really important to convey to the players. I always find things I missed in my first write of the rules. Good luck writing,
Mark
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 16:34
#5
Getting the Rules Down
One suggestion would be to look at a few other games and find a layout that is appealing to you.
I would then start using Word/Notpad/etc and create my own template based on the things I liked from the other game rules.
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 16:41
#6
Getting the Rules Down
If you’re the type of person that loses their train of thought while writing but can talk a blue streak about your idea you might try getting a recorder and discuss the game with a friend or just ramble into the microphone. Then you can play it back and write down the good parts. I have found this useful for writing papers when I just could not get my ideas flowing.
Thu, 07/22/2004 - 17:55
#7
Getting the Rules Down
I prefer to start with a more generalized "design doc" ... which not only will (hopefully) be reduced down to a rules booklet at some point, but will allow me to go into concept descriptions, detailed step-by-step items that helps me out as the designer, and during playtesting and prep for self-production.
-Bryk
Sat, 07/24/2004 - 02:50
#9
Getting the Rules Down
Unless your game is very simple or you have a great vision very clear in your head, I think you'll have to go through a brainstorm process.
I did it for my first game. I throw tons of idea on paper. I must say that I cut most of them. My game isn't even looking like my great idea. That's ok for me. The process evolve into something better. (I hope).
I don't think you should start with the rules. Start with ideas on paper, a theme, a mechanic.
Once you're ready to write the rule after you played the game a bit and explain it to your friend, write them down. Write every game components, every preparation steps and every playing steps in DETAIL.
Be very hard on yourself. If you can't do it, ask for advice from a technical writer or somebody used to write paper like purchase order and such. Ask the Game Workshop Board here.
Be consistent. Name every piece of the board or card carefully and use the same name all over the document.
Give examples. Show pictures. (That are the last part of writting rules)
Good luck.
Mon, 07/26/2004 - 16:38
#13
Getting the Rules Down
Here is a good link of what I believe are good examples of writing rules:
http://www.alanemrich.com/PGD/Week_05/PGD_Week05Homework.htm
The context of this link is within a board game design class. The examples given are of a war game nature, but I believe the concepts of writing good rules for other board games still apply.
--DarkDream
Tue, 07/27/2004 - 09:50
#14
Getting the Rules Down
DarkDream wrote:
Here is a good link of what I believe are good examples of writing rules:
Those are some good examples.... nice find.
Tue, 07/27/2004 - 18:51
#15
Getting the Rules Down
Quote:
If you’re the type of person that loses their train of thought while writing but can talk a blue streak about your idea you might try getting a recorder and discuss the game with a friend or just ramble into the microphone. Then you can play it back and write down the good parts.
8O I can't belive I never thought of that, oh thats a great idea....note to self get personal recorder
the the
Hi! Have you made some sort of prototype (no matter how crude) and playtested it (even just by yourself)? I find that the easiest way to sift through ideas is to experiment with actuall pieces that I can move and see and use. The rules of the game take a more concrete shape at which point the rules tend to flow more naturally. There are a lot of great threads about production and prototypes and playtesting.
That's where I would suggest you start if you haven't already done these things.