Another great video, Ali. One of my favorite player turn order mechanisms that has been used quite a bit, as of late, is the player behind goes first. When used strategically, a player can set it up so that they can have multiple turns in a row. (Like in Glasgow) As for player actions, I also like to record how many actions a player can take. While most games have a player take only one action per turn, there are quite a few that allow you to take 3 or 4 actions per turn. Some of those actions can only be done once per turn, while others can be repeated within the same turn. All great information for drawing inspiration. When it comes to Game end, I also record if the round continues after the end game trigger is met or if it’s immediate. I tend to prefer games where everyone gets 1 last turn after end game trigger. For luck vs skill, is this where you would record catch-up mechanisms that are in the game? Sorry for the long comment. When I’m passionate about something, I tend to ramble.
Hey Keith! Thanks for your thoughts here. I recently played Nova Luna which has the very same turn order mechanic built in - I'll be reviewing it later but check it out if you've not done so yet. You are spot on for the number of player actions and game end details too- both worth recording. Oh, and yes I would record catchup mechanism under the skill (or strategy) part of notes. And hey.... nobody ever needs to apologize for being into their passion on this channel !!
Scratching misc stuff onto loose paper or a note app on my phone first, then transferring it into a journal seems to be my most used way of note-taking...
I use a journal directly when I'm actively designing & team working (well, not since Feb 2020)... I love using a couple of white-boards: one small & one huge board- I snap a photo before erasing.😁
I always keep a notebook nearby so if I think of an idea, tweak or correction at any time, I can quickly jot it down to think about it later. I also add post-playtest questions and when they are resolved, I indicate that in the notes so I know I don't need to immediately reference it next time I'm using my notes for design work. I find that one location for notes works for me rather than many. By the time I find a previous location (digital or paper), the notes are outdated and I may not recall what they even mean any more.
I've kept pocket-sized journals for years, but recently invested in a Boox Note Air for digitally keeping my notes and reading. I love having everything in one spot and easily being able to export. That being said, I think it's a luxury, not a necessity and I've enjoyed my old school journals as well.
I tend to write ideas down on my phone on google drive, or preferably my PC. But I also have a white board in my home office which I find invaluable. The large area means I can write, draw diagrams etc.
Very helpful video, appreciate you sharing your insights! I'm also wondering if analyzing how theme has specifically been integrated into mechanisms might be a valuable question towards discovering hidden designs that may not be readily apparent.
Ooh! Good suggestion Talktale! There are lots of topics under this umbrella - I was thinking about how to make educational games fun. I think that would be an interesting vid to make.
In recent playtests i think i began to see a pattern of "las player advantage" i looked for a while and i didn't saw any video about First Player advantage. Is there any? if not it would be great to know your thoughts on it and a couple of tips on how to manage it.
These people putting wine glasses near their Jenga game at 5:50 are really living on the edge!
LOL - aren't they just!
Supporting my favourite BoardGame Channel with this comment to feed the all-mighty algorithm.
Another great video, Ali. One of my favorite player turn order mechanisms that has been used quite a bit, as of late, is the player behind goes first. When used strategically, a player can set it up so that they can have multiple turns in a row. (Like in Glasgow)
As for player actions, I also like to record how many actions a player can take. While most games have a player take only one action per turn, there are quite a few that allow you to take 3 or 4 actions per turn. Some of those actions can only be done once per turn, while others can be repeated within the same turn. All great information for drawing inspiration.
When it comes to Game end, I also record if the round continues after the end game trigger is met or if it’s immediate. I tend to prefer games where everyone gets 1 last turn after end game trigger.
For luck vs skill, is this where you would record catch-up mechanisms that are in the game?
Sorry for the long comment. When I’m passionate about something, I tend to ramble.
Hey Keith! Thanks for your thoughts here. I recently played Nova Luna which has the very same turn order mechanic built in - I'll be reviewing it later but check it out if you've not done so yet.
You are spot on for the number of player actions and game end details too- both worth recording.
Oh, and yes I would record catchup mechanism under the skill (or strategy) part of notes.
And hey.... nobody ever needs to apologize for being into their passion on this channel !!
HI all. I'm pretty sure all designers have a little notebook somewhere - be it digital or old school.... what do you guys use ?
Scratching misc stuff onto loose paper or a note app on my phone first, then transferring it into a journal seems to be my most used way of note-taking...
I use a journal directly when I'm actively designing & team working (well, not since Feb 2020)...
I love using a couple of white-boards: one small & one huge board- I snap a photo before erasing.😁
I always keep a notebook nearby so if I think of an idea, tweak or correction at any time, I can quickly jot it down to think about it later. I also add post-playtest questions and when they are resolved, I indicate that in the notes so I know I don't need to immediately reference it next time I'm using my notes for design work. I find that one location for notes works for me rather than many. By the time I find a previous location (digital or paper), the notes are outdated and I may not recall what they even mean any more.
I've kept pocket-sized journals for years, but recently invested in a Boox Note Air for digitally keeping my notes and reading. I love having everything in one spot and easily being able to export. That being said, I think it's a luxury, not a necessity and I've enjoyed my old school journals as well.
love it!
I tend to write ideas down on my phone on google drive, or preferably my PC. But I also have a white board in my home office which I find invaluable. The large area means I can write, draw diagrams etc.
Damn it! - why didn't i think of that ? A white board makes so much sense...
Very helpful video, appreciate you sharing your insights! I'm also wondering if analyzing how theme has specifically been integrated into mechanisms might be a valuable question towards discovering hidden designs that may not be readily apparent.
can you make a video for the educational theme board games such as science or history related
Ooh! Good suggestion Talktale! There are lots of topics under this umbrella - I was thinking about how to make educational games fun. I think that would be an interesting vid to make.
In recent playtests i think i began to see a pattern of "las player advantage" i looked for a while and i didn't saw any video about First Player advantage. Is there any? if not it would be great to know your thoughts on it and a couple of tips on how to manage it.
I love the suggestion Erynus, it would make a great vid and cover an interesting area. Let me start some research ....