How I went from Idea to 'MVP'

Hi everyone,
I’m currently working away at the script of my next video focused on the definition (and evolution of the definition) of “Metroidvanias” but I wanted to quickly put together a devlog for my game project that showcases some of my game design thinking when it comes to my own work.

My goal is basically to show that anyone can go from a neat idea they have, to at least some version of a complete game, if they follow a bit of structure and are willing to cut back on a few aspects they can add easily once the foundation is there.

I hope this helps :)

You can download the demo for my game Relics of Aurelia here:

Background Music is “Cave Wave” from the Heartbound OST which you can grab here:

Intro 0:00
Ideation Process 4:32
Design Pillars 11:51
Core Gameplay Loop 14:01
Detailed Mechanics 15:28
Paper Prototype Playthrough 23:00
Types of Gates 27:05
Evolution of a Prototype 33:42
MVP vs Vertical Slice 35:28
Outro 38:23

[longbowman]

i like the paper prototype playthrough idea.
Also, I haven't played it, but this game makes me think of Tunic, with the finding-information mechanic