Prototypes for Days

Here’s a Quick Status Update

Bullet pointed list, activate:

• I just finished printing a new prototype for my hidden identity, country manipulation game
• I’m close to a new prototype for my quick tile laying, tactics-based game
• I’m working on revamping and injecting more fun into an abstract color making game

Here’s a Long Status Update

My latest build is coming along. I got a lot of feedback on game pacing and balance which I’ve incorporated into this version. I haven’t had time to cut out these new assets yet but it’s on my to-do list.

Crisis board, tells you the effects of each crisis resolution based on player votes

Secret hidden private confidential characters! (Shhh, they’re a secret.)

Player mat with mechanics that drive Wealth, Education, and Reputation (all needed to kick ass in this game)

The nation! Just ripe for the manipulation: although, there are good and bad types of manipulation in this game

Cards! Cards everywhere!

I’m experimenting with different art and graphic styles and I nail down some of my more concrete assets. (None of my final designs are present in the gallery above.)

How do I collect feedback, you ask?

I use a google form and sheets of paper during the playtest. I actually ask people to fill out the google form before providing open feedback. I do this to collect metrics (who won, how many players were there, and what character did everyone play) more than look at what they had to say about the game.

I also collect open feedback at the end of the game. What was fun, what wasn’t, etc etc. That’s what I act on when revising my later builds of the game.

My Other Games in Progress

I have two other games in the pipeline aside from this one. They’re both getting heavy makeovers.

A Colorful Game

This is an abstract color making game. You manipulate primary color cards to form the most of your secondary color on the board. I still have some kinks to work out. Mainly, the game starts in a grid format and I think I can do better. I’m going to convert these cards to square tiles and make it more of a tile laying game.

Untitled Tile Laying Tactics Game

This one has been a blast to design but I still have a lot of work to do. I’m going to go full on hexes for this game, add a tile laying aspect (it’s currently set out in a grid) and add combat mechanics. Eventually, I’m going to change the way each element plays the game for some asynchronous strategy. (Although, the game won’t be entirely asynchronous.)

That’s all, Folks

Thanks for reading! Until next time…