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Basic Understanding of Game Concepts

Familiarity with fundamental game concepts is crucial. This includes understanding player roles, objectives, and basic game structures, which will serve as a foundation for your design.

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Creativity and Willingness to Experiment

A creative mindset will fuel your design process. Embrace experimentation to explore unique mechanics and themes, essential for crafting an engaging board game.

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Access to Prototyping Materials

Having materials for prototyping is vital. Be prepared to gather items like cardboard, markers, and dice, as these will help you bring your game ideas to life.

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Game Mechanics Basics

Why This Matters:

Refreshing your knowledge of game mechanics will help you understand how different elements interact. For example, knowing how resource management works can inspire your game's core mechanics.

Recommended Resource:

"The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell - This book offers insights into game mechanics and design principles, making it a great refresher.

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Creative Design Principles

Why This Matters:

Brushing up on creative design principles will enhance your thematic approach. Understanding how themes influence player experience is key to creating a captivating game.

Recommended Resource:

"Creative Confidence" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley - This book encourages innovative thinking and creativity, which are essential in game design.

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Prototyping Techniques

Why This Matters:

Reviewing prototyping techniques will prepare you for hands-on work. Knowing how to create effective prototypes will streamline your design process and improve playtesting.

Recommended Resource:

YouTube: "Prototyping Board Games" - This video provides practical tips on prototyping and is accessible for beginners.

Preparation Tips

  • Set Up a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times each week to focus on course materials. This will help you stay organized and committed to your learning journey.
  • Gather Prototyping Materials: Start collecting materials like paper, cardboard, and markers. Having these ready will facilitate your prototyping process from the get-go.
  • Join a Board Game Community: Engage with other aspiring designers online or in-person. Sharing ideas and experiences can provide valuable insights and motivation.

What to Expect

The course is structured over 8-10 weeks, with a mix of hands-on projects and theoretical learning. Expect to engage in practical assignments, iterative design processes, and collaborative playtesting sessions that build upon each other, enhancing your skills progressively.

Words of Encouragement

Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform your ideas into a tangible board game! By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to design, prototype, and pitch your unique game, opening doors to exciting opportunities.