| Game Creation |
| page 3 |
| You can get blank dice.
They can be decorated with the permanent marker. You can
draw numbers or symbols on them, whatever your game
needs. You can adjust the odds by having the same number
or symbol on more than one side of the die. For example,
dice have six sides so the odds of getting any particular
number are 1 in 6. If you were to draw two 1s (one each
on two sides) and 2 through 5 on the other sides, the
odds would remain 1 in 6 for the 2, 3, 4 and 5, but the
odds of rolling a 1 would be 2 in 6 (or 1 in 3). Like the
chips, test your design with crayon or stickers. Playing cards can create many interesting game play options when inventing your game. They can add a random element that can really spice up play. There is no reason a card game and a board game couldn't be combined. Many games on the market use a deck of cards as the central element, using the board only to keep track of points, wealth, etc. The cards are a great place to let your artistic talent shine but you should first draw your designs on paper. That gives you an opportunity to change your ideas without destroying a blank card. Blank business cards can be used as playing cards. They are also great to use as "draw cards" when a player lands on specially marked spaces.("Go back 2 spaces", "Collect $100", "Get Out of Jail, Free"...etc.) A Timer adds the time limit. This will definitely speed up game play, especially during skill games. You'll find that whenever a game player is timed, their actions become more frantic and instantaneous. The timer can keep stategy games from becoming too boring by limiting the time a player can think about their next move. You can use a stopwatch, eggtimer or just a second hand on any clock. Spinners, like dice and cards, add a random element. Attach spinners to cardboard squares you've decorated. The cardboard square can have as many divisions as you need.Remember not to put too many divisions on the spinner card or it may be too hard to read. Where the spinner stops, the player must move their token that many spaces, have that much strength when battling their opponent, earn that much "money",....you get the idea! Using a spinner instead of dice can be a good idea for "travel games" or games for smaller kids because there are no dice to lose or choke on. It is fun to decorate them, too! The gameboard may be where your artistic talents can be most useful. Since much of the action may be on this board, this could be the most important part of your game design. Before you start drawing on the gameboard, use paper to sketch (and resketch...) until you're happy with the art. You may even want to "playtest" your game on the paper before you use the real board. Use poster board, cardboard or even thin plywood for your gameboard designs. |
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