How to make a game ?

[cornonthecob]

General question.

I've got an idea for a dice based game (not a wargame, think zombie dice) but have no idea what to do. I've no buisness knowledge and have some difficulty with math (amusing considering most of these games run on probability). I've considered kickstarter or indie-go go to get funds but obviously thats a lot later down the line.

[danny-d-b]

well for start up just find some mates and start buy working out the rules, at my local club we have just started working on a game which is speed based rather than turn based (movement done is from slowest speed model, to fastest speed model, then the actions (shooting, using equipment, charging) are done in reverse) with the stats paid for (so you create your own races) finding the odd flaw here and there but thats why you game test

once you get the rules sorted, then look at tryingto make a buisness out of it, however be aware that most game systems (GW/ PP/ magic) make most of the money on the models/cards, not the rules

[Ultimate Life Form]

I strongly recommend getting someone who knows his way around math. Not only for the game's sake but also for the financial plannings. He can point out holes in your framework as well as your budget.

[danny-d-b]

also get a bunch of torderment players to test the game, or someone who you havn't had contact with while writing the list to come up with broken things

for example I came up with a model using the above game I was talking about which duel wealed plasma cannons, using a rule orignaly used to duel weal pistols, but the author forgot to take out

[Steam_Giant]

The D6 Generation podcast have done numerous episodes interviewing game designers and small publishers.

They give some excellent advice, I recommend starting there.

[Easy E]

Create a Business Plan.

If you can't do this, you have no business.

[The Devourer]

First I'd consider what it is that you are aiming for:
What theme are you looking at
Do you want to sell the game or the models
What features do you need
etc..
It's also important to consider what resources you have so you can get the most out of them and how you can get more for the least cost.
After this I would suggest you focus on getting the basic game ideas. These may shape later decisions and you can't do much until this is done.
While you do these things keep an eye out for anything which could help later on.

For example I am currently making a game based on supernatural fantasy.
The first things I did was to read/watch as much of the genre as possible and identified features which must be included. I also looked at a wide range of skirmish games and found people opinions to find what people liked and why. Once I knew what things people looked for I could combine this with the feel I wanted to give. I also made a list of all the different things I would need for the completed game so I could keep looking for ways to achieve them while I focused on other stages.

It is very important that you don't try for too much at once. It is easy to get carried away on things which aren't needed until the very end.

[Hicks]

Create a Business Plan.

If you can't do this, you have no business.

This. It's ok not too if you just want to make the stuff for yourself and not sell it, but otherwise you will soon find out that selling a game is a whole different beast than just making a game.

[Steam_Giant]

Create a Business Plan.

If you can't do this, you have no business.

This. It's ok not too if you just want to make the stuff for yourself and not sell it, but otherwise you will soon find out that selling a game is a whole different beast than just making a game.

Sorry but I disagree.

I think you should concentrate on making the best game possible, having fun with it!

Then find a small publisher to do the business work for you, or give you advice.