Game Design Principles: From Mario Kart to Monopoly

Interested in learning how games are designed? Join us for an introductory dive into board game design as we show you how to make a game that you can win every time!*

In this beginner friendly workshop you will learn some basic game design principles and board game mechanics.

These components apply to all kinds of games, from Mario Kart to World of Warcraft, Backgammon to Monopoly, Chess to Stratego. You will get an introduction to the basic building blocks of every game:

• Difficulty vs. ability

• Design principle vs. player feedback

• Open-ended vs. closed-circuit

Working in small groups, you will have the chance to present your ideas for a game. You’ll refine the idea over the first half of the workshop and then, using the provided materials, you will create a testable version.

There will be a playtest session where each game will be played by others in the workshop and provide the most valued of all game design resources - outside feedback.

This workshop is open to beginners with no prior game development experience. If you’ve played any game before and wondered how it was designed or what makes it fun, then this workshop is for you!

Prerequisites and Preparation:
• Please bring an open-mind and a sense of humor.

• Not a guarantee that you will win every time.