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I recently picked up a game in which the author couldn't stop describing how awesome the game is. First, I'm confronted with information about the author. I could really care less about him. I just want to read about the game. Then I have to slog through why the game was designed and how previous games were faulty or poorly executed. Finally, I reach the actual game and what do I find... information on how to build a character and why this process is tons better than in other games. Here come the rules.. uh oh, more of the same with being informed that the rules must be followed to the letter in order for maximum enjoyment. Man, this guy is really full of himself. And do you know what? The game sucks. I try not to insult other people's hard work (which is why I'm not naming names), but I really can't see anyone having a good time with it, let alone not getting sick of reading it.
This is just one more example of people thinking they can do better and failing miserably. It's not so much that they don't have the talent to make a good game (potentially), but they've somehow been brainwashed to think that making one independently means that they are avant-guard. So they use gimmicky mechanics and bitch about what came before to sell the game rather than actually design something that provides benefit. Then they have the nerve to charge a lot for it (when I say a lot, I mean the trend to charge maybe $10 for a 50-page PDF that is triple-spaced with large gaps of white).
Now I'm not the best writer in the world, but I try to be realistic. For example, the genreDiversion games are not super-fancy -- that's why they are under $5 for the PDFs, provide straight-forward rules, and let you play on a moment's notice with ready characters and scenarios. I also believe that games are meant to be tinkered with, so if you want to mix elements from one game with another, who am I to stop you? And if you want to play in a manner that is different than described, that's up to you. This is why I like modularity in my games. It not only adds consistency, but also makes it easy to add your own borrowed ideas to the game. Call me crazy. I want people to play my games and have a good time, not read a thesis on game design or my biography.
Even now, I find myself a little irritated about the whole subject just typing this, so it's time to relax. A parting thought. If you have to tell people how great your game is once they bought it, either you don't think much of the game and need to reassure yourself of it OR you have a chip on your shoulders and just like tearing down other games. It's one thing to bitch about a game casually, but to actually do it in a book -- that's just wrong. | | 2 Comments | Add Comment | Permanent Link | | Return to Overview | | CrazyBlend Commented: | Oct 17, 2009 | 12:40 pm | |
| mtwofive Commented: | Oct 17, 2009 | 7:36 pm | |
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