Getting2Alpha Matt Leacock on cooperative game design
Aug 31, 2016
Matt Leacock, acclaimed board game designer and UX expert, is best known for his cooperative masterpiece, Pandemic. In this discussion, he shares insights on the evolution of Pandemic into the narrative-driven Pandemic Legacy, highlighting how player choices impact gameplay. He explores the balance between cooperative and competitive games while emphasizing iterative prototyping. Matt also connects the art of storytelling in games to modern episodic television, enhancing player engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, he discusses overcoming design challenges and provides a peek into his innovative party game, KnitWit.
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Co-op Games Create Positive Experiences
- Matt Leacock played a negotiation game with his wife that ended badly, making them feel horrible.
- He contrasted it with a cooperative game, Lord of the Rings, which they enjoyed even if they lost.
Design Distinct Player Roles
- Give players unique roles with specialized abilities to encourage strategic cooperation.
- Players must leverage their strengths to overcome challenges successfully.
Get Diverse Feedback Early
- Share your game with many and diverse people to get valuable feedback.
- Avoid being insular by testing only with your close group of friends.