MAKING GAMES

Tips

90/10 | When playtesting, take note of 90% of the comments regarding issues, frustrations, concerns with your game.  However, only follow 10% of the suggestions to fix the game.  In other words, if play testers identify an issue, realize there is likely an issue and don’t get defensive about why they are missing something; but, you know much more about the nuances of the game and be judicious about following the various recommendations to “fix” the game.  90/10 is obviously an over-simplification, but the key idea is pay attention when people are frustrated or bored and make sure you take the responsibility to change, don’t place the blame on the player.

Simple checklist items to evaluate your game:

  • Pieces are fun to play with
  • There are surprises
  • There is equal opportunity
  • There are multiple ways to score and win
  • There are choices but limited options
  • There is originality
  • The game is different every time
  • Players don’t get bored playing (or waiting to play their turn)
  • The game play is intuitive; actions are expected and make sense
  • How to win is clear
  • Game mechanics are not frustrating (but it’s okay if players get frustrated with their own decisions)

Lessons

QR Code | This isn’t about creating a game, but it has been important in the marketing and sales of our game.  An easy, dependable QR code generator website I’ve found is: https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator.    There are several QR code generator websites–one I used recently created a QR code that I took to a retailer and then found out that the QR code was created with a free trial and the QR code no longer worked after a week unless I paid a subscription.  So, beware of various “free” sites.

GTIN | The GTIN is the Global Trade Item Number and serves as a universal identifier for various products globally.  GTINs come in various formats with the GTIN-12 being a Universal Product Code (UPC) common in North America (more info here).  GTINs can be purchased from various locations but the underlying owners are tracked at GS1 – the Global Registry.  You can purchase a GTIN at GS1 for $30 and no annual fee–this GTIN is recognized by global retailers.  There are other sources of GTINs at cheaper prices but you will want to be careful because some of them have a different underlying owners listed on the GS1 database and retailers like Walmart may not accept them. 

When laying out the GTIN on your board game box, ensure you follow your specific publisher’s directions for the placement and size including the “quiet area” around the GTIN (more info here).

Resources

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