Ape City Escapers
A little story goes a long way towards making a game more than than just the strategic hunt for victory points. Last week, I wrote… Read More »Ape City Escapers
Storyworlds
Storyworld of the Apes
I had the chance to playtest Ape City Escape again on Sunday night. We tested out a few rules changes, such as letting players steal… Read More »Storyworld of the Apes
Games + Storyworlds: Expecting the Unexpected
One of the biggest challenges of writing for games is that games — unlike novels, movies, or epic poems inscribed in flames upon the walls… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: Expecting the Unexpected
Games + Storyworlds: Know Your Scope
When developing a game story, it’s important to understand the scope of the story you’re telling. The narrower the scope, the more limited (but more… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: Know Your Scope
Games + Storyworlds: Board Game Stories
When I mention “game stories” and “game writing,” chances are people’s thoughts immediately go to video games. That fair. Video games are great at telling… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: Board Game Stories
Games + Storyworlds: Making it Personal
Two essential elements of any good story are conflict and characters. This is true whether that story is delivered by movie, novel, a series of… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: Making it Personal
Games + Storyworlds: Matching Mechanics
Before I start tossing out tips like a clown hurling candy at kids from a float in a parade, I have a small confession to… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: Matching Mechanics
Games + Storyworlds: The Game Comes First
I’ve written before about telling stories that fit into existing storyworlds. But those words of wisdom were of a generalized nature, speaking to “stories” in… Read More »Games + Storyworlds: The Game Comes First
Storyworld Tip: Feature the Creatures
You know Dune, right? Sci-fi epic, desert planet, and… what else comes to mind? That’s right: giant freaking sandworms. Are they characters or character archetypes… Read More »Storyworld Tip: Feature the Creatures
Storyworld Tip: The Magic of Rituals
Could you help me out for a second? Stand right here, in the middle of the circle. Great. Now, hold this goat skull and close… Read More »Storyworld Tip: The Magic of Rituals