In a town near where I grew up is Old Economy Village, a settlement created in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. With many of the original buildings still standing, the Village has been designated a historical site where local elementary schools take field trips each year. While going into detail about the the town’s… Read More Gaming’s Old Enconomy
In the over 15 years that I have been closely watching and learning about the board game industry, I’ve seen a simultaneous expansion and contraction of opportunities for creators, publishers, and retailers. It’s all very reminiscent of another industry in which I worked: comic books. Click to Read Part One (of Three):
After some reflection and putting my feelings into gaming terms, I realized that if real life was a Dungeons and Dragons campaign my alignment would be Lawful Good. But is my strict adherence to the law actually counterproductive? Click to continue…
Since 1976, I have been a fan of, and deathly afraid of, great white sharks (thank you very much Mr. Spielberg). I know that I’m not alone. Sharks interest me, inspire me, and scare the pants off of me. So it’s not surprising that one of the first VR experiences I sought out was a virtual… Read More A Lesson In Virtual Play
I believe what we call games is reliant on three distinct ingredients; the Players, the Components, the Environment. Of these, one you have control over, one you can influence, and the third is completely out of your control. Click to Continue…
Much like each of the blind men taking turns to experience one specific aspect of the elephant, Jesse Schell’s masterwork The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses asks the designer to view their game through one lens at a time. Click to continue…
Hang out with enough gamers and you’re bound to hear at least one of them talk about a game being elegant. When compared to the cinema magic of Fred and Ginger, it’s initially a ridiculous notion. How can a collection of inanimate cardboard and plastic pieces ever rise to the grace and precision of two… Read More A Touch of Elegance
A couple years ago I was discussing board game design with a fellow designer. We were debating when it was appropriate to consider game expansions. Do you plan out the expansions when you create the base game? Or do you launch the base game and wait for sales numbers or gamer feedback? I told him… Read More Expand, Or Expand Not. There is No Try
As any fan of Quentin Tarantino can attest, not every filmmaker uses the three-act structure, but the vast majority of filmmakers do. And as it turns out, so do a great many board game designers. Click to Continue…
Steel Town Games 