Game Design Terms: Part 1

A list that details key features or selling points of the game. (Usually on the back of the box)

• Feature List

• Selling Point List

• Great Options List

A process to generate ideas, usually done in a group.

• Brainstorming

• Thinking Space

• Idea Corner

A playable early version of the game or part of the game constructed by the designer.

• Early phase

• Partial completion

• Prototype

The state of the game refers to the ...

• Unbalanced game

• Balance of the game

• Balanced game

State of a game: the play is too easy, too hard or optimal

• balanced

• unbalanced

State of the game: there is a consistent challenge for the players

• balanced

• unbalanced

The rules of the game

• Mechanics

• Dynamics

• System

• Playtesting

Rules that are put in motion (playing)

• Mechanics

• Dynamics

• System

• Playtesting

Trick taking, rolling a die, turn taking, moving

• Mechanics

• Dynamics

• System

• Playtesting

Spawn points, moves each chess piece can make, ...

• Mechanics

• Dynamics

• System

• Playtesting