Game Design Tips

Author/game designer Matt Forbeck has compiled 33 no-no's of game design from himself, Mike Gray, Richard Garfield and Reinier Knizia, inspired from the 10 No-No's in Game Design at Gen Con.

1. No derivatives – be original. Be unique. Something new. Innovative. Know your market. What originality or innovation are they looking for?
2. No unclear, incomplete, illogical rules. Know who you are writing the rules for.
3. Don’t offer your design to several publishers at the same time. Build the relationship with the publisher.
4. Don’t stop having fun.
5. No sacred cows. If the game is not working be willing to sacrifice the part that isn’t working.