Pillars of Game Development

Part of Board Game Design

Introduction
These are considered to be the essentials of board game design.

The Pillars

 * /Parsimony/ - a game should be no more complex than it has to be


 * /Excitement/ - there should be some inherent interest and excitement throughout the game


 * /Theme-Mechanic Balance/ - the mechanic and theme should work together harmoniously


 * /Perfect Potential/ - at the start, any player should be able to win the game


 * /Simplicity/ - while the concept can be complex, the language of the rules should be very simple and straightforward


 * /Replayability/ - players should not experience the same game twice


 * /Beauty/ - a finished game should have a good look and feel


 * Much of a game lies in its beauty. Playing a game is an aesthetic experience - just like art, even if different - and it is propelled by our desire of beauty, expressed in the form of fun.


 * The "toys" should be therefore nice and adequate to the theme: we all know the difference between playing with plastic vs. metal car models or plastic vs. tissue dolls.


 * /Player Control/ - chance should only be used where it adds to the game