writing game rules

I write all my rules in Word and then I move them to InDesign.
I use to work with Word and then used the PDF-maker (I think the name was). Word does not have all facilities that the other programs have, but you can do a lot in Word.

// Johan

I write rules using LaTeX, and for the diagrams I tend to either write them as raw PostScript, which I turn into EPS and include in the LaTeX document or I use Perl to turn diagram description files into PostScript.

LaTeX has the advantage of being, essentially, a programming language for talking about text. It has something of a learning cliff, but when you're done you can do fairly sophisticated things; my templates automatically generate backwards and forwards index entries, for example. ("Infantry, Movement" and also "Movement, Infantry"). I find this sort of thing makes it much easier to refactor rules -- I tend to write rulebooks like reference manuals, which is no good for beginner players. The other half edits them into more sensible order for "learning from".

I use the "Memoir" formatting system which gives a lot of flexibility of layout and will produce print-ready output, including things like crop-marks and binding spaces. I've never used that feature yet, but it's nice to know it's only a command away...

If you know how to use Word, you can produce remarkable results - certainly far better than many so-called DTP programs (the only advantage MS Publisher has is in handling A5 booklets, and there are plug-ins for Word that can do that too.)

Personally, I too use InDesign which is fine but can be somewhat overwhelming if you're not used to it (hmmm, I think I wrote something like that regarding the new BoardGameGeek ;-))

I've used Word quite a bit, but I find it very frustrating in many respects. It second-guesses me all the time, and I end up with a table that's nowhere near the text it's supposed to refer to, and which I can't move, for example.

InDesign isn't perfect either, but so far I like it a lot better than Word. You have complete control over where text goes, so you can do callouts, sidebars, irregular text areas, and so on. And they stay where you put them! It also has a handy feature where you can set up what are essentially page templates within a document, so that you can easily change not just paragraph styles but entire layouts for multiple pages at once.

First, I use latex. Latex is better if you have a lot of pages to write. If you rule book fit on 3 pages, use word, it would be more simple.

For the pictures to assist the rules, you do not need to take real picture. When you want to explain the rules you use diagramms. They generally only contains shape, lines and text. Any vertorial image editor would easily do the job, no bitmaps are required. I make my diagrams with corel draw.

I personally have everything (layout + rules illustration) done in Adobe Illustrator, although it isn't a traditional publishing/layout program. It gives a very professional look and the illustrations rendered are very vibrant, crisp and clear (something photography often lacks).

(There's a photo someone uploaded of one of our rulebooks on BGG: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/87589 ... Unfortunately you can't see the illustrations inside)

However, it's admittedly not the easiest program for a beginner. You might want to hook up with a student from a local design school to do the rule book for you if you want a very professional looking one.