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Content
(If you don't care - I'll be back later with a video!)
The conference is for HTML5 and Javascript developers, so it’s going to be focused on quite fundamental design stuff that will be applicable to more simple web and mobile games
I’m calling it “10 most important things I know about game design (despite having never made a game)”, and while I’ve got about 8 1/2 I wanted to get some ideas from you lot - especially the real designers among you! - for what I could include.
Here’s what I’ve got so far
1 - Find the gameplay first. Talking about the tendency to get hung up on stories and graphics when gameplay should be of primary concern. Examples of the core ideas / inspirations behind some top games. (Note: This is less of a rule and more of a suggestion. I know many great games start with stories!)
2 - Make form follow function. Talking about designing characters and objects to explain their properties through design.
3 - Make the game fit the device. Talking about the unique properties of mobile, and how games should take advantage of the hardware, not try and make the hardware fit around the game.
4 - Do more with less. Talking about versatile verbs and dual purpose mechanics. Aka my favourite things.
5 - Help players find the best experience. Talking about how developers can encourage different behaviours in their players.
6 - Remove frustration, add fun. Quick tips for these two things, like hitboxes and Super Mario World’s dynamic pokeys.
7 - Get the difficulty right. Some general difficulty talk. Flow, and different ways to handle difficulty.
8 - Pick the right mechanics. Looking at how different mechanics can lead to very different feelings.
9 - Make it juicy. Juice and game feel talk. Making your hands, ears, and eyes happy!
What am I missing? What needs to go? Why did I agree to do this? Thoughts in the comments would be appreciated!