Rules Redux complete

Writing a full set of rules for a multifaceted board game is quite a challenge.  Even though I already had a preliminary rules book for the game in word doc it still took me in excess of 9 hours to convert and redo in Photoshop.
Some key things to follow through on for rules, that I've read about, include:

Introduction to the game... Kind of like an Inciting Incident in a book

Path to Vicotry mentioned early on (and clarification at the end)

Game Contents summary... Its good to know what SHOULD be in the box, and how they are labelled

Game Setup... Before describing gameplay the players should have step by step instructions on how to handle every piece/card included with the game (even if it seems simple, it may not be to newer game players)

Gameplay... A breakdown of overall gameplay, as well as step by step on how to get through a complete turn.  This also includes an analysis of core game components that will impact gameplay (IE event cards, battles, etc)

Examples... Depending on how complicated things are this could be done outside of the rulebook... still deciding for myself how to do this

Winning the Game ... finish off with how the game is won, included details for ties or complications you might foresee

And that it... but very time intensive and I know I still have to go back and invest more time to fix some typos/spacing and possible gameplay changes after some more playtests.  FUN!

My First Logo!

With the upcoming contests, the need to develop a more visual rulebook, and for FB groups/etc it is critical to have an eye catching game name logo with potential for longevity and the ability to be  easily recognized.
My first idea was not great, just some basic text/symbols.  With some advice from online, and from my lead artist, I was able to alter it and create something I believe is a bit more aligned with what a logo should be...

Simple, recognizable, and hopefully one day Iconic in the board game world.  The words LEGENDS OF is small, but important, leading into the world name, Novus.  Novus is cracked and worn down, representing the damaged and fragile world it has become with the Maelstrom.  The parchment background reminds people of an older, medieval time.

Also created a Facebook page to help showcase game art, and the iconic symbols that will be present in the game...

Another contest!

Alberta has a FallCon in Calgary in September, and every year they have a little provincial game design contest.
I figure I have as good a chance as anyone, and the game design is progressing nicely.  Just have to have a polished set of rules by end of May to be eligible for entry.  I can do that!

So this will add to the fun of game design, multiple contest entries which also creates lots of great feedback loops and game exposure.

Also, have started designing Adventure cards for the game.  Sadly I have to go back and re-design the Reward cards as my Photoshop froze and I hadn't saved that file ;(

All part of the game!

Plunging ahead...

Digging in trying to get all card templates completed over the course of the month.
Managed to get Characters all complete (minus original artwork, just proxy art for now).  Exciting!
Testing out some new abilities to involve the game board and Travel aspects as well.

Now that Classes are complete I am on to the Rewards.  These are just as complicated to format as every card may have certain class restrictions, or icon changes based on type (ie hand items, body items, wizard only items, etc).  A lot of time/energy to design in this way, but the end result is something that looks professional and easy to read for the player, which is the most important thing!

Hope the images are enjoyed by future playtesters/gamers!

Heres a few samples...

Fun Da Mental Games

Fun Da Mental Games is the name I decided on for my personal gaming business.

It is now official through the local business office, which does have an expense to go along with it but helps to legitimize what I am trying to do, and provides additional options later on when it comes to advertising, earning Kickstarter funds, and creating a business bank account separate from my own personal accounts.

These are all things highly suggested through the various podcasts/articles I have exposed myself to, and helps to build a professional profile for a true business.

As part of the BGDL game idea submission I have also created a business card to accompany it, as per the below.

Looking forward to developing Legends of Novus, and Dragon's Fate, as the first two company games over the expanse of this year.

Dragon's Fate will be a very simple, single player card game with minimalistic art and a low budget/cost to the consumer.

Legends of Novus is to be an artistic, enjoyable adventure game for 2-5 players (maybe even a solo option).  It will cost much more due to art, game board, tokens, and a game box.

The future is exciting if I can make these two games come to life!

Fun, Fantasy, Strategy.  That is what Fun Da Mental Games is all about.

Revising Timelines

A while back I planned some basic timelines for Legends of Novus, before I had spent countless hours reading articles, listening to podcasts, watching Kickstarter successes and failures, and interacting with the facebook game communities.
Now that I have developed a greater awareness of the scope of board game making (anyone could throw together a crappy game, but I mean a GOOD board game), I am updating my personal goals for game creation for LoN...

By end of April 2018 - Creatures reformatted to new design... I have about ten left to do, so those will be done by end of day tomorrow. Achieved!!

By May 1st - Also finish Sell Sheet and submit my Game Design to BGDL for the contest.  Achieved!!

By May 10th - All Classes reformatted to new design

By May 15th - All Location cards reformatted to new design

By May 30th - All Reward cards reformatted to new design

By June 15th - All Adventure cards reformatted to new design

These are aggressive timelines, given that every single card is being managed individually in Photoshop then applied to InDesign for proper manufacture file settings.  I am sure there is a faster and more efficient method, but I believe it would require coding knowledge that I am not ready to acquire at this point in time.

I recently created QUEST creatures that can be sought out on the gameboard map, rather than random encounters with extremely difficult creatures... here are the QUEST creatures:

Listening to Feedback

When you ask for feedback you have to be careful... especially online... because you will get it!

My sell sheet was consistently  said to be disorganized, wordy, and hard to identify what was important.

Onto version 2, fewer words, fewer sections, more to the point.

Will send it for feedback again, really trying to get it right for the BGDL contest submission!