McFunkyPants had asked me to write an article about how I went from a video game background to getting my first board game published and how others can do the same.
I've tried to cover the basic design processes I used, tips on contacting and working with a publisher, and a few mentalities that have helped me make the leap.
If anyone is interested, here is the link:
You've written this really well! And I like that you included some tips designers don't usually see, like DON'T write your rules down first.
I suggest this article for designers to see that sometimes all you need is good game at a good time in a good place (DVG, with your game, on BGDF at the time they were looking).
Wow! Thanks for writing this.
As an unpublished & aspiring game designer I found this very helpful. It was one of those days where you hit the wall with your game and can't decide if you should even keep trying.
But after reading your very unpretentious article I felt encouraged. Thank you for being open about your story and your process. I understand why we all have facades but it was very refreshing to have a published designer present things so openly.
Thanks again!
Very well written and insightful. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is a should read for all developers.
"I posted my game on the BGG design forum and waited for some sort of feedback. I was proud of the game, and I believed some people could really enjoy it.
But as happens with all my indie games, there was zero response. Weeks passed and I shrugged it off. I was used to invisibility in the game industry by now."
Man, that part is so true, I'm starting to learn that too. I think it's because everyone's concerned about their game most of all rather than contributing to other peoples games.
I need more YouTube in my diet...
Great article...definitely some good tips, especially when it comes to staying out of your own way. Thanks for sharing it!
" Don't write down the rules! Early on, you want your rules to continually change for the better. Avoid anything that will get you attached to the unproven rules."
Maybe you can keep every detail in your head but i always write a complete rules set and reread the rules before each test so i make sure I'm playing the latest iteration properly. My rules are in constant state of flux for most of the testing process. The rules are also handy to have to take notes on.
If I can't keep track of the rules in my own head.... how will my players?
The players will be playing by the same rules each time instead of new rules each time they play. They also may be only focusing on one game instead of three.
Obviously you have a keen memory.
Very good article.
Maybe you can keep every detail in your head but i always write a complete rules set and reread the rules before each test so i make sure I'm playing the latest iteration properly. My rules are in constant state of flux for most of the testing process. The rules are also handy to have to take notes on.
THANK YOU! I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm a published author and writer, so you bet I'm writing the rules down. I don't get this aversion to writing the rulebook first, that makes zero sense to me. I write a rulebook so I know how the game should be played. Then, as I make changes to the game I edit my living document so that on the next playtest I can reference the rulebook and know it's the latest version, of course.
Where's the link? this just takes me to a generic envato page.
The link doesn't work for me either; just goes to the Envato home page (I find myself squinting and looking off into the ethereal beyond as I whisper that website's name).
As far as response to game ideas here on BGDF, I think it mainly comes down to, do people think they are able to genuinely help you in your design process? While yes, we've all got our own projects we're involved in, I think most here enjoy the chance to help flesh out a game idea, toss around mechanics, suggest rules, etc.
I know I for one try to offer suggestions wherever I feel they may be of help, while also often reading posts without offering an opinion because I don't have anything I feel would be constructive. I know I've received some amazing feeedback from this community, and my games are much better for it.
You can also use a thread as a personal "sketchbook," coming back and playing with ideas in the comments and leaving a trail of crumbs for others to follow...who knows, someone may get hooked and suddenly have some great ideas to help move your game forward!
The thread is from four years ago, so that's probably why the link is dead.
And I definitely want the rules on paper (well, I usually put it in a draft gmail msg :) ). How else can you figure out what needs tweaking and track your tweaks?
I mean, don't DESIGN your rulebook and set it in stone, but you need it somewhere other than in your head.
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I'm glad you liked it. Writing isn't really my strong point and I stumbled through it. But, I am proud of the end result.
That rules tip actually stems from my video game background. In order to "Test" a video game you need to write down the code and build which takes alot of time for each minor change.
While making the change of format, I realized how much faster I could find tangible results. You lose this benefit if you focus too much on writing every idea down and making it look good.
It's actually amazing how many of the designers I've spoken to mentioned luck playing a large role in their success. It made me much more comfortable calling myself a designer and trusting that I can give back.