Game Design

One of my hobbies is playing, designing, and critiquing computer, card, and board games. Though there is a stigma associated with some kinds of games, particularly those involving fantasy combat, I think game-playing is as normal for humans as playing music. Of course, music is easier to consume that games, which is why gaming has reached a new level of prominence in our modern era.

Sadly, for roughly a three year period of my life I was addicted to gaming, but God kindly brought me out of that mire and has restored balance to my life. The addictive nature of computer games has led me to focus more on tabletop games in recent months, including designing a card-based wargame called Legacy’s Allure.

Game Design

Three Truths Every Game Designer Should Know

The KonMari Method Applied to Game Design

What Is An Elegant Game And How Do I Create One?

Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Feedback For Your Game

Why Competitive Magic: the Gathering Doesn’t Work

Critique of Brian Kibler’s Advice for Card Game Designers

Stop Making CCGs!

The ECG Model Isn’t Bad For Competitive Games Just Because Your Favorite Competitive ECGs Failed

Why Victory Points Are Lazy Game Design

Be Harsh Toward Early-Stage Games, Gracious Toward Late-Stage Games

Game Critiques and Reviews

I review other games, usually combat-focused tabletop games.

The Allure of Chess Is Not In Its Gameplay

A Critical Look At Skytear’s Design

Dominion Versus Star Realms

KeyForge

Forthcoming / Ideas:

  • The Enduring Popularity of Counter-Strike Explained
  • Why MOBAs Are So Popular (Hint: They’re Well-Design)
  • Why Competitive Battle Royale Doesn’t Work
  • Why Competitive Overwatch Doesn’t Work
  • The Cursed Problem of MOBAs
  • Why Your Elo Ranking Isn’t Accurate
  • No One Cares About Your Idea
  • Originality Is Overrated
  • Good Versus Bad Game Reviews

Miscellaneous

The articles below don’t pertain to game design but gaming in general, and I wanted to include them here anyway.

Why I’ll Never Invest in Magic: the Gathering Cards

Reflections On Magic – My history with the game plus thoughts on Magic’s competitive scene, spectatorship, art, and formats.

A Cube For Introducing Children to Magic

My DotaFire Dragon Knight Guide – This has been the #1 rated Dragon Knight guide on DotaFire since 2016. I try to update it at least once a year.

Should Christians Play Games With Fantasy Themes?