Playtesting — News in Games-Based Learning

Playtesting Card Games

Designing a card game requires a different approach than video games, particularly in playtesting. Unlike digital prototypes, physical card games must be tested with actual cards to reveal flaws not visible in theory. Early prototyping with simple materials like torn paper is crucial, but mock-ups should be durable for real play.

PlaytestingDave EngApril 10, 2025Card Game Design, Playtesting, PrototypingComment

Playtesting Narrative Content in Board Games

Writing narrative content for board games presents unique challenges due to space limitations. Unlike novels or short stories, board games often provide less than 100 words per story beat, typically conveyed through concise cards.

Dave EngApril 5, 2025Board Game Narrative, Concise Writing, PlaytestingComment

What An Annoying Hotel Elevator Taught Me About Game Design

While traveling for a game preview, I encountered an annoying hotel elevator that required a keycard scan to select a floor. The elevator emitted a negative-sounding beep when the card was accepted, causing confusion as it contradicted the expected positive confirmation. This experience highlighted how crucial small auditory and UI cues are in game design.