Unpub 5

Feb. 6-8, 2015

Baltimore Convention Center

http://unpub.net/unpub-5/

“Master the rudiments of your craft, then develop the discipline to forget them whenever convenient.”

— Eric Lang (@eric_lang)

What makes a board game that creates a story? A Board Game Design Forum discussion:

http://www.bgdf.com/forum/game-design/topics-game-design/making-games-tell-stories

Stealing from existing games–responsibly:

http://oakleafgames.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/stealing-from-existing-games-part-2-great-artists-steal/

SEE ALSO: What is fair use?

http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/30657/whats-up-with-fair-use-part-1-an-overview

“It turns out, you already know how to work with publishers. Treat them like people.”

— Christina Major (@delphina2k)

The key to getting published: playing games with strangers:

http://www.leagueofgamemakers.com/the-key-to-getting-published-playing-games-with-strangers/

The learning curve: strategies to make replays as approachable as the initial play:

http://www.gamesprecipice.com/the-learning-curve/

The benefits of a strong development process, using the classic game of Acquire as an example:

http://opinionatedgamers.com/2014/05/29/how-acquire-became-acquire/

The benefits of prototype conventions for designers:

http://mvpboardgames.blogspot.com/2014/05/dtow-4-prototype-conventions.html

How to know when your game needs trimming:

http://hyperbolegames.com/2014/05/28/low-fat-design-diet/

“Adding value to others and forging friendships will significantly increase your chances of succeeding on Kickstarter. Those are the projects that backers gravitate towards. Those are the creators that backers trust in the future, because they’re not just backers anymore–they’re friends.”

— Jamey Stegmaier (@jameystegmaier)

A detailed look at the board game manufacturing process:

http://www.flatlinedgames.com/11_production_printing_cardboard_and_cards

Some thoughts for designers who are worried that someone will steal their game idea:

http://gil.hova.net/2014/05/27/some-thoughts-for-designers/

“Failing hurts every time but it’s always worth it if you persist until the game is completed.”

— Andrew Federspiel (@KnapsackGames)

“Protip: put some thought into your responses to feedback and you’ll net very loyal testers. Writing rationale also forces you to think a bit.”

— Mike Mullins (@bluedevilduke)

Looking at the “shape” of gameplay experiences–how they unfold for players:

http://exampleofplay.com/2014/05/23/the-shape-of-games/

Exploring Games discusses the history and development of worker placement games (starts at 32 minutes):

http://gamerchris.com/2014/05/23/exploring-games-episode-24-exploring-worker-placement.aspx

“It is important to not make too many changes at once, and to playtest any changes you do make thoroughly, with different types of players. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t, make adjustments, and try again.”

— Doug Bass of Meridae Games

A treasure trove of articles about game design from 2000 to 2005:

http://www.thegamesjournal.com

Daniel Solis (@DanielSolis) on component-first design:

“Grab some dice or cards and just play with them, the old-fashioned way. Explore their physical properties, see what they can do on the table. How heavy are they? How do they fit together? What combinations are possible?”

http://danielsolisblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/3-simple-steps-of-component-first-design.html