Designer Notes

AUGUST 10, 2021

The big change that always gets mentioned when going from Civ 4 to Civ 5 is one-unit-per-tile (1UPT), which is interesting as 1UPT is purely a mechanical – as opposed to thematic – change. Generally speaking, opinions were divided over (although largely in favor of) the success of one-unit-per-tile.

Tile 40

Tile Point and Click AI Mechanics 40

Brand Game Development

JANUARY 2, 2018

Board game development is a very individual process. Every single developer has different methods for creating their games. This article is the ninth of a 19-part suite on board game design and development. Join my community of over 2,000 game developers, artists, and passionate creators. Need help on your board game?

Playtesting 130

Playtesting Games Advertising Prototyping 130

Interesting Choices

FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Not long after that I started working on a game (then called City Draft) that would be strongly inspired by a few key influences: 7 Wonders for the mechanics and structure, Carcassonne for the idea of placing tiles in a grid, and SimCity for the theme. Science is purely all or nothing. Few viable paths to victory.

Build 40

Build Tile Point and Click Games 40

Designer Notes

OCTOBER 14, 2021

Truthfully, no one has ever done this well, and during development I often reminded myself of the old joke about how you don’t need to be fast to avoid getting eaten by a bear – you just need to be faster than the person next to you. The hardest part of a 4X to design is the ending. Thus, Paradox grand strategy games follow this model.)

AI 40

AI Simulation Mechanics Mobile Gaming 40

Deconstructor of Fun

MARCH 22, 2021

Our partner ironSource builds technologies that help game developers take their games to the next level. Royal Match Royal Match is a perfect example of finding success through improvements - not step-change innovation - cherry-picking the strongest mechanics from the best games to create a new top game.

Puzzle 69

Puzzle Mobile Mobile Mechanics 69

Brand Game Development

JULY 22, 2019

Join my community of over 2,000 game developers, artists, and passionate creators. In each of the design diaries that I have written so far, I have focused on a specific game mechanic or isolated portion of the game. There is also an escalation in strategy as the players fill up their boards by acquiring more and more Leader tiles.

Tile 130

Tile Games Playtesting Balance 130

Radiator Blog

JUNE 30, 2022

I first prototyped it back in 2019, but I didn't really know how to finish it. Originally this was prototyped as "Saugzwang" and I made it for the 7 Day Broughlike Jam back in 2019. L loss or often worse, since cops can exploit the same chain reaction mechanic as the player. Their victim's mood or consent is irrelevant.

Code 52

Code Educational Education Prototyping 52