Games GDD

Games GDD

Physical presentation is a factor many people enjoy about games. Extra expense in executing this is a concern- for example using hand carved wood chess pieces, while making the game more appealing and looks good visually, would add a lot of extra expense.

There are good considerations to make in the design of game components, and these can enhance the player experience to an extent.

Using shape and colour to help distinguish pieces in a board game (eg chess) is a good design consideration as some people may suffer from colour blindness or be visually impaired so having contrasting colours and shapes can assist people with potential problems.

Image of chess pieces on a board

Source: pxhere

Using different components for different elements of a game helps to add variety and distinguish game components- for example in Monopoly she money is made of paper and the chance cards are made of a thicker, smaller paper. This also helps the players to know instinctively that the components are different and helps them become familiarized.

Using distinct and unique icons for different elements is also important.

Using a font that’s legible, easy to read and distinguish. Choosing simple, large and readable fonts help avoid confusion when playing the game.

The box of the game is very important ad generally first impressions of the game come from the way the box is designed. There are some important design components to consider when designing a box for a game.

It’s important that the title of the game is on the side of the box and is distinct and readable. Making the title on the side of the box big helps it be more readable from a distance.

The back of the box is important as players tend to refer to the back of the box to determine the way they should play. Having photos of the game being played correctly at the back of the box is helpful.

Writing the rules of a game clearly, to the point and including examples of the rules in play is extremely helpful to the player and helps avoid confusion and conflict between players.

In the case of a board game, it’s also wise for the game to include or make replacement parts for the game, such as chess pieces, available for players in case one goes missing or gets damaged.

In summary, taking into consideration design components to make the game easier to understand across several ways is an example of good design and should be considered when designing games.

Physical presentation is a factor many people enjoy about games. Extra expense in executing this is a concern- for example using hand carved wood chess pieces, while making the game more appealing and looks good visually, would add a lot of extra expense.

There are good considerations to make in the design of game components, and these can enhance the player experience to an extent.

Using shape and colour to help distinguish pieces in a board game (eg chess) is a good design consideration as some people may suffer from colour blindness or be visually impaired so having contrasting colours and shapes can assist people with potential problems.

Using different components for different elements of a game helps to add variety and distinguish game components- for example in Monopoly she money is made of paper and the chance cards are made of a thicker, smaller paper. This also helps the players to know instinctively that the components are different and helps them become familiarized.

Using distinct and unique icons for different elements is also important.

Using a font that’s legible, easy to read and distinguish. Choosing simple, large and readable fonts help avoid confusion when playing the game.

The box of the game is very important ad generally first impressions of the game come from the way the box is designed. There are some important design components to consider when designing a box for a game.

It’s important that the title of the game is on the side of the box and is distinct and readable. Making the title on the side of the box big helps it be more readable from a distance.

The back of the box is important as players tend to refer to the back of the box to determine the way they should play. Having photos of the game being played correctly at the back of the box is helpful.

Writing the rules of a game clearly, to the point and including examples of the rules in play is extremely helpful to the player and helps avoid confusion and conflict between players.

In the case of a board game, it’s also wise for the game to include or make replacement parts for the game, such as chess pieces, available for players in case one goes missing or gets damaged.

In summary, taking into consideration design components to make the game easier to understand across several ways is an example of good design and should be considered when designing games. 

You can find the article I read here!