How Mage Wars Solves the Tutoring Problem
One of the most disruptive common mechanics in card-based games is "tutoring": searching a deck or discard pile for a card to add to your hand. Tutoring interrupts the flow of
The Best Game Discussions Are Built on Positive Claims
Table talk does not always improve a party game. Meaningful discussion requires players to make claims supported by evidence. As any improv performer can tell you, when the only response is "no&
Nertz Understands the Ergonomics of Real-Time Card Play
Playing cards present challenges for real-time gameplay. They take time to parse, can be difficult to pick up from the table, and are impractical to shuffle under time constraints. The game Nertz (and
Trust in Games Needs Mechanical Support
Temporary alliances add a lot to a game. Working together feels great because it creates a shared sense of purpose. But being stabbed in the back by a teammate hurts a lot. To
The Real Problem With Output Randomness Is Unrewarded Effort
In game design circles, you will often hear "use input randomness, not output randomness." Input randomness sets choices up while output randomness resolves them; think of drawing a tile in Carcassonne