Ludology

Ludology 283 - Tools of the Trade

Sep 18, 2022
Discover the essential tools and processes in game design as Erica, Gil, and Sen share insights from their diverse roles. From pen-and-paper ideation to digital mockups with Canva and flowcharting in Lucidchart, they explore creative workflows. Learn about rapid prototyping techniques, the pros and cons of AI art, and low-cost graphic design alternatives. Plus, tips on pitching to publishers and the importance of flexible design to avoid sunk costs. It's a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring game designers!
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ADVICE

Design Within Production Constraints

  • Start design constrained by real product limits like component cost and tooling early.
  • Fit mechanics and visuals to what can actually be produced in the allowed budget.
INSIGHT

Design From Experience First

  • Start from the player's desired experience and let theme and mechanism cross-talk.
  • Use that experiential north star to choose mechanics that evoke intended feelings.
ADVICE

Map Game Flow Visually

  • Use flowcharts and whiteboards to communicate game flow clearly to remote collaborators.
  • Lucidchart and LucidSpark help explain branching and UX faster than text alone.
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