Observations of the Fox: Game Design Principles

Originally labeled “Blatantly ripped off from a ripped off post“, Michael’s (Vulpinoid’s) post expands on the points below.

Game Design Principles

• Do not add a rule to take care of an unusual situation.
• Your scoring design is your game design.
• Avoid false strategy.
• Balance with incentives and costs, not with restrictions.
• Pay attention to the rules people forget.
• Simplify.
• Removal is OK.
• Theme and art are very important.
• Understand how mathematics and probabilities affect game play.
• Try to make your mechanics reflect the theme.

Design Process Principles

• Never assume players will make smart decisions.
• Failures are successes too.
• Half of building should be breaking.
• Include a ‘fair’ setup.
• Graphics are meaningful.
• Know for whom you’re designing the game.