Pillars of Game Development

Part of Board Game Design

Introduction

These are considered to be the essentials of board game design.

The Pillars

• Parsimony - a game should be no more complex than it has to be

• Excitement - there should be some inherent interest and excitement throughout the game

• Theme-Mechanic Balance - the mechanic and theme should work together harmoniously

• Perfect Potential - at the start, any player should be able to win the game

• Simplicity - while the concept can be complex, the language of the rules should be very simple and straightforward

• Replayability - players should not experience the same game twice

• Beauty - a finished game should have a good look and feel

Much of a game lies in its beauty. Playing a game is an aesthetic experience - just like art, even if different - and it is propelled by our desire of beauty, expressed in the form of fun.

The "toys" should be therefore nice and adequate to the theme: we all know the difference between playing with plastic vs. metal car models or plastic vs. tissue dolls.

• Player Control - chance should only be used where it adds to the game