71 Ways to Become a Better Game Designer with Gabe Barrett
Aug 22, 2023
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Explore 71 tips for game design, effective crowdfunding platforms, clarity in design, community feedback, constructive criticism, networking, letting go in design, and diverse playtesting.
Understand the purpose behind your game design choices for a streamlined development process.
Enhance core enjoyable aspects of your game while removing unnecessary components for a more engaging experience.
Focus on crafting a cohesive player experience rather than getting lost in thematic details or specific mechanics.
Define the game's win conditions early to shape gameplay mechanics and guide players towards a rewarding conclusion.
Deep dives
Focus on Why Your Game Needs to Exist
Know the purpose behind creating your game, whether it's for fun or publication. Understanding the reason behind your design choices early on can streamline the game development process by helping you make informed decisions based on your intentions.
Identify the Core Fun Elements of Your Game
Determine the most enjoyable aspects of your game that deliver a fun experience for players. Focusing on enhancing these core elements while eliminating unnecessary components can lead to a more engaging and streamlined gameplay experience.
Prioritize Player Experience Over Theme and Mechanics
Emphasize the overall experience you want players to have rather than getting lost in thematic details or specific mechanics. Crafting a cohesive and engaging player experience should guide your design choices throughout the game development process.
Understand the End Goals of Your Game
Define the game's win conditions and how players achieve them. Knowing the ultimate objectives of the game early on can help shape the gameplay mechanics and overall progression, guiding players towards a satisfying and rewarding conclusion.
Learn from the process of failure
Allowing ideas to evolve and grow over time is pivotal in game design. Failure is an inherent part of the design process – sometimes ideas need to be set aside before they can mature. Having the humility to accept feedback from others and recognizing when a concept isn't working can lead to significant improvements in the final product.
Discerning what's essential in game design
In game design, the phrase 'kill your darlings' resonates deeply. It emphasizes the importance of preserving only elements vital to a game's success while discarding unnecessary components. Ensuring that each game element contributes meaningfully to the overall play experience, even if it means letting go of seemingly valuable aspects, is crucial for creating engaging and enjoyable games.
Completing the design process effectively
Finalizing a game design involves setting clear deadlines and making tough decisions to ensure completion. Understanding when a game is 'done enough' and being willing to ship the product, even with potential areas for improvement, is a key aspect of successful game design. Striking a balance between continuous refinement and reaching a point of completion is essential for moving the game design process forward effectively.
