Remove Dev Remove Mechanics Remove Prototyping
article thumbnail

Game Dev Glossary: Prototype, Vertical Slice, First Playable, MVP, Demo

Ask a Game Dev

Prototype - A playable example of a single gameplay system to prove out the concept. Examples might be character movement, a combat combo system, or a specific game mechanic. The above screenshot is from the Breath of the Wild systems prototype - wind, fire, etc.

article thumbnail

Solo dev Chris Arvanitis: “Total control can be a double edged sword”

PreMortem.Games

A friend told me to give it a go again last year, so I started working on a prototype.” I started working on a prototype project during my free time, which eventually evolved into Ontotis.” I come up with ideas of my own for the game’s story, environment, and mechanics. What are the biggest advantages of working solo? “I

Horror 197
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Solo dev Jonathan Barbosa Dijkstra “Learning new skills is a great motivator”

PreMortem.Games

He took some online courses on programming and he was in business, as a solo dev operating under the name of Frambosa , only six months later. So, his solo debut game Billy Bumbum might be the first and last game he made as a one-man-dev-team. If I’m happy with this design, I’ll prototype it and test that prototype.

Dev 104
article thumbnail

How to Design the Mechanics of Your Board Game

Brand Game Development

The core engine is what’s left when you strip a game of mechanics and obstacles. The core engine is the bare minimum set of mechanics and concepts you need to have a functioning (but not necessarily fun) game. Game mechanics are how we bring the core engine of a game to life. What are game mechanics?

Mechanics 130
article thumbnail

Indie dev studio Wikkl Works takes virtual rock climbing to New Heights

PreMortem.Games

The idea for New Heights emerged as a personal prototype, driven by the desire to create a game focused on exploration rather than violence. Drawing inspiration from their own experiences in bouldering, the team sought to incorporate the exhilarating mechanics of climbing into the game. It is great to see that it’s working out so far.”

Indy 104
article thumbnail

How to Play-Test the Mechanics of Your Board Game

Brand Game Development

We’re picking up where we left off last week with How to Design the Mechanics of Your Board Game , so read that if you haven’t had the chance yet. Today, we’ll be focusing on testing game mechanics after you design them. A quick recap: game mechanics are how we bring the core engine of a game to life.

Mechanics 130
article thumbnail

Solo dev Jason Larabie of Rodent Games works after hours on Artificer’s Tower “I live a dual life” 

PreMortem.Games

I lean heavily on text for as long as possible, postponing prototyping until it’s absolutely necessary. After building out the systems for AI/building/crafting, I had a bit of the game prototyped out, but it was missing something. I added the first goblin and the basic combat mechanics, and that felt good but still not quite there.

Dev 129