The Board Game Design Lab 4 Amazing (and Useful) Examples of Board Game Design Theory with Geoff Engelstein
Oct 13, 2023
Dive into the world of board game design theory with Geoff Engelstein as he discusses loss aversion, impactful game endings, and the thrill of definitive outcomes. Explore the balance between surprise and manageability, the influence of peak-end theory in game design, and the concept of loss aversion in creating engaging player experiences. Discover how strategic gameplay in tournaments can shape game outcomes and the importance of fair play and storytelling in game design.
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Design Theory As Practical Toolbox
- Design theory gives you rules of thumb that speed up and improve game creation.
- Studying film, probability, psychology and mechanics gives designers reliable shortcuts.
Small Sets Create Huge Variety
- A 52-card deck has astronomically many permutations so nearly every shuffle is unique.
- Combining small card sets (two decks) explodes variety cheaply and evokes richer scenarios.
Playtest For Killer Combos
- When using combinatorial cards, playtest for dominant or broken combos and add balancing choices.
- Use auctions, multiple phases, or limits so one combo doesn't decide the whole game.