PROJECT:

In this class, you will learn how to make your first prototype and then use that prototype to begin playtesting.

SUPPLIES:

Worksheets - download the Prototyping and Playtesting worksheets
A Game Idea - you'll need to have a game idea you're working on. Ideally, you've already gone through the previous two classes and completed those worksheets in preparation for this class.
Paper and Pencil - later on you can get more sophisticated with colored paper, markers and a bunch of other craft supplies, but I'd recommend you start with good ol' pencil and paper
Optional - Computer and Printer - you have the choice of prototyping using software rather than a pencil or paper. More info on those options below.
Optional - Game Bits - meeples, cubes, tokens, etc. You can round these up from old games you already have, thrift store or dollar store finds, going to your friendly local game store, or sources online like thegamecrafter.com
Optional - Card Templates - I'm providing basic card templates in 3 different pieces of computer software so you can see if one of the options will work for you. But if you want to stick with hand-drawing, these aren't needed.

CARD TEMPLATES:

Canva - Canva is a web-based, user-friendly design software that you can use for free (with paid upgrades). To use this card template, you'll want to create an account at Canva.com, then use this link to open up the template in your account. **IMPORTANT** please follow the instructions written in the file for how to make your own copy of this file to work on. Click to Get the Template
Powerpoint - If you use a lot of Microsoft products (Word, Powerpoint or Excel), then designing game pieces in Powerpoint may be a good option. And if you want a web-based tool with similar features, consider using Google Slides (that's where I made mine).
Indesign - If you've never used Adobe products before, I don't recommend that you start here. However, if you want to start learning the tool that the pros use, this is the one for you. Adobe has some great tutorials to help you get started.

OTHER DESIGN RESOURCES

As I talk about in the videos, you really want to keep your early prototypes SIMPLE! Sometimes that means just text and color, but other times it's still helpful to have some images or icons. So there are two main resources for those kinds of graphics.

Game Icons: https://game-icons.net/ This is an incredible free resource of all kinds of game related icons. It's great to use for quick prototypes, but honestly, these could even make it into your final design.
Images: https://unsplash.com/ and https://www.pexels.com/ Sometimes just a quick image will help get your idea into your game. These are all completely free to download and use.

Looking for a more hands on class that helps you design a game? Then you should check out my class that is a Finish This Game project, where I give you the skeleton of a game and then walk through what you need to change or update in order to make the game your own. This class is great for newer designers that need more practice actually finishing games so they can level up their design skills. Check it out here!

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Aaron Pascucci

Designer

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