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Master Board Game Design: The complete guide to avoid common pitfalls, develop unique & balanced games, and streamline your process from prototypes through publishing
Dive into the world of board game creation and bring your ideas to life, even if you've struggled with creativity in the past!Are you an aspiring game designer overwhelmed by where to start?
Do you find yourself juggling numerous game ideas but struggle to form them into a cohesive, engaging experience?
Have you already poured hours into an underperforming game, only to find it doesn't resonate with players?
If you said "yes" to any of these questions, you're not alone. Many novice game designers face the same hurdles. But rest assured, these challenges can be conquered with the methodology you'll find in Master Board Game Design.
This ultimate guide takes you from inspiration through to publication, transforming your creative visions into captivating board games.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll uncover
The 10-step process that guides you from initial concept to a polished prototype4 brainstorming techniques to overcome creative blocks and spark original game ideasHow to select themes that resonate deeply with different player groups, boosting engagementThe power of Craft compelling stories that intertwine seamlessly with gameplayDesign The essentials behind balancing game mechanics for a rewarding player experienceUnderstanding player Unpack the desires and motivations that drive player engagementPrototyping Cost-effective ways to bring your ideas to life with tangible modelsPlaytesting Learn how to gather and apply feedback for the most impactful resultsInsights into integrating digital tools and resources to modernize and enhance your board gameKey elements for successful crowdfunding campaigns, including the first steps to building a following prior to launchNavigate the complexities of working with game publishers including how to design sell sheets that will draw interestDiscover emerging trends in the board gaming world to keep your creation relevant and innovativeMaster the art of captivating An artist’s toolbox for effective game designCommon pitfalls and must-avoid mistakes in board game design that derail potential success...and so much more!
Worried that your lack of formal design or art experience might prevent you from creating an amazing game? Fear not.
This handbook is crafted to demystify game design, offering clear, practical advice that empowers you regardless of your background. It's not just about technical know-how—it's about tapping into your inherent creativity and leveraging your unique voice to create something remarkable.
Whether you're aiming to break into the industry or simply indulge your passion as a hobbyist, this book will provide the insights and encouragement you need to reach your goals.
Ready to embrace the challenge and craft a unique game the world can't wait to play? Scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now! Your journey as a board game designer begins here.
Do you find yourself juggling numerous game ideas but struggle to form them into a cohesive, engaging experience?
Have you already poured hours into an underperforming game, only to find it doesn't resonate with players?
If you said "yes" to any of these questions, you're not alone. Many novice game designers face the same hurdles. But rest assured, these challenges can be conquered with the methodology you'll find in Master Board Game Design.
This ultimate guide takes you from inspiration through to publication, transforming your creative visions into captivating board games.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll uncover
The 10-step process that guides you from initial concept to a polished prototype4 brainstorming techniques to overcome creative blocks and spark original game ideasHow to select themes that resonate deeply with different player groups, boosting engagementThe power of Craft compelling stories that intertwine seamlessly with gameplayDesign The essentials behind balancing game mechanics for a rewarding player experienceUnderstanding player Unpack the desires and motivations that drive player engagementPrototyping Cost-effective ways to bring your ideas to life with tangible modelsPlaytesting Learn how to gather and apply feedback for the most impactful resultsInsights into integrating digital tools and resources to modernize and enhance your board gameKey elements for successful crowdfunding campaigns, including the first steps to building a following prior to launchNavigate the complexities of working with game publishers including how to design sell sheets that will draw interestDiscover emerging trends in the board gaming world to keep your creation relevant and innovativeMaster the art of captivating An artist’s toolbox for effective game designCommon pitfalls and must-avoid mistakes in board game design that derail potential success...and so much more!
Worried that your lack of formal design or art experience might prevent you from creating an amazing game? Fear not.
This handbook is crafted to demystify game design, offering clear, practical advice that empowers you regardless of your background. It's not just about technical know-how—it's about tapping into your inherent creativity and leveraging your unique voice to create something remarkable.
Whether you're aiming to break into the industry or simply indulge your passion as a hobbyist, this book will provide the insights and encouragement you need to reach your goals.
Ready to embrace the challenge and craft a unique game the world can't wait to play? Scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now! Your journey as a board game designer begins here.
122 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 9, 2025
This book is fine I guess. 2.5 stars.
I'm not sure why this book was written. There's so many board game design books out there that a new one really needs something to set it apart and make it worth reading. This one has no USP (unique selling point)
The whole book is just stuff that is the bare minimum knowledge on board game design, like the stuff you pick up in the first month or two of researching the hobby. Everyone that regularly subscribes to a board game design podcast or follows a board game design Facebook page, or board game design YouTube channel, or reads any other board game design book is going to already know everything in this book.
The book is also ridiculously short. 120 pages! There's so little substance. On one hand, it takes no time to read (I actually read it twice because I got an ARC and it was so short), but on the other hand, I would be pretty disappointed if I had paid money for this.
I think section 2.2 on using story to drive engagement is probably the best part of the book. It's a little less derivative and stands out, maybe not as a fresh new take, but at least as a key component to design that often gets overlooked.
It's also hard to overlook the fact that the author is not a published board game designer. This doesn't seem like the type of field that you can be knowledgeable enough on without having actually done it yourself. I don't think a book on "Master Song Writing" would be appealing from an author with zero recorded songs.
I'm not sure why this book was written. There's so many board game design books out there that a new one really needs something to set it apart and make it worth reading. This one has no USP (unique selling point)
The whole book is just stuff that is the bare minimum knowledge on board game design, like the stuff you pick up in the first month or two of researching the hobby. Everyone that regularly subscribes to a board game design podcast or follows a board game design Facebook page, or board game design YouTube channel, or reads any other board game design book is going to already know everything in this book.
The book is also ridiculously short. 120 pages! There's so little substance. On one hand, it takes no time to read (I actually read it twice because I got an ARC and it was so short), but on the other hand, I would be pretty disappointed if I had paid money for this.
I think section 2.2 on using story to drive engagement is probably the best part of the book. It's a little less derivative and stands out, maybe not as a fresh new take, but at least as a key component to design that often gets overlooked.
It's also hard to overlook the fact that the author is not a published board game designer. This doesn't seem like the type of field that you can be knowledgeable enough on without having actually done it yourself. I don't think a book on "Master Song Writing" would be appealing from an author with zero recorded songs.
Displaying 1 of 1 review