Abstract:
This talk will discuss the experimental IMGD course "Design of Tabletop Strategy Games"
which was taught in A Term 2006. This course treats the design of tabletop strategic
games, such as board wargames, rolegames, and eurogames. Game quality issues such as
rules unambiguity, depth, complexity, branching width, balance, and historical
content are examined. Basic elements of game rules, such as map gridding, movement,
and resource limitations are examined. Parallels with strategy elements in computer
games will be made, as appropriate. There will be readings from the hobby, Internet,
and military literature. The course will include the design of a game or elements thereof.