Choosing Between Cards and Tokens
When it comes to randomizers, decks of cards and token bags both provide a collection of items for players to draw from. They aren't interchangeable though; each option has strengths and
Variable Player Powers Encourage Exploration
As game designers, we want our players to fully explore the games we create. But they sometimes ignore aspects of our games. In my game Sprocketforge, for instance, I often see new players
Abstraction Tells Players What Your Game Is About
What is your game about? As designers, we have an idea of what matters and what doesn't in our game. We want the player's experience to match our vision.
Good Follow Actions Keep the Leader in the Spotlight
The biggest advantage of turn-based games is the spotlight. When it is your turn, you can show off your clever plays to other players. Everybody loves an audience. But this also causes
Pair Complex One-Shots With Simple Passive Effects
When understanding the state of a game, the greatest mental burden is parsing unique, complex text effects. Yet these effects create some of the most interesting content. One way to reduce the attention