Ludology

Ludology 283 - Tools of the Trade

Sep 18, 2022
Discover the essential tools and processes in game design as Erica, Gil, and Sen share insights from their diverse roles. From pen-and-paper ideation to digital mockups with Canva and flowcharting in Lucidchart, they explore creative workflows. Learn about rapid prototyping techniques, the pros and cons of AI art, and low-cost graphic design alternatives. Plus, tips on pitching to publishers and the importance of flexible design to avoid sunk costs. It's a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring game designers!
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ADVICE

Prototype Visually And Digitally Fast

  • Rapidly create visual prototypes and push them into a virtual tabletop for fast playtesting.
  • Use Canva plus Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia to iterate and print playable parts quickly.
ADVICE

Keep Iterations Small And Connected

  • Print minimal components on letter/A4 paper for quick iterations and test a few rounds.
  • Use relational tools (FileMaker, Nandeck, Component Studio) so asset changes cascade across cards.
ADVICE

Use Practical Graphic Tools

  • Use free alternatives like Photopea, GIMP, and Inkscape if Adobe is too costly or heavy.
  • Choose raster tools for photos and vector tools for icons/layouts to work efficiently.
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