Top 10 Tips for Rulebook Writing | How to Create a Tabletop Game #7

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[themightyironoak]

As a gamer, I actually love reading rule books, almost mre than playing the games, i learn the game and then explain it to everyone else lol

[mračničovek]

Thank you so much for this great video. While I was making the game, I had written down the rules like this: Something on my phone, something on my notebook, something in another notebook, something on a piece of cardboard while it came to my mind at work. But now it's easier for me to put it all together. :)

[Gaming]

I'm currently designing a tabletop RPG with detectives and police set in the 1930's where you gather evidence, interrogate NPC's and at the end when you have all the correct info about the suspect you make a final accusation and you gain XP and level up in rank.

It's quite complex because I need to design tons of cut-outs for objects, maps for the locations, hand-outs for various objects, mysterious letters, police databases for license plates, fingerprints and criminal records for the players to compare.

Again, the game is complex but fun and makes the player want to play again on the next session because it's keeping them on the edge and encourages investigation further.

The name of the game is called: Solved Cases, a role-playing investigation game. (Ages 18+)

[therandommeeple]

Philosophia looks really interesting. And you are right, most people want to jump right onto the game and not read that much rules.

[brianharrison]

I just had this video come up in my feed and I am glad I checked it out. I have been struggling with my own rulebook and you had some really good advice, thank you! I will certainly go back and watch the rest of the series!

[beticboardgaming]

Ya I love when a rulebook has the quick setup guide in the front so I can look back at it later on. I love when the rulebook flows easily as well. I dont like when I have to go to different parts of the rulebook to fully understand one of the concepts. Clear definitions and symbols are a must as well!

[vanessar]

Completely agree on graphic design, it’s so hugely important for helping to inform the player of specific information without *actually* telling them.

[wojtekgorski]

What?? Why am I discovering this series just now? I will surely watch the whole serie of how to create a board game and I'll probably go back to those videos too as I'll be trying to make one - it's been a small dream of mine for some time. Amazing job 😍

[christiangoc-ong]

we need more youtube channels like this!

[joaognoato]

For me what frustrates me the most when I'm learning a new game are possible ambiguities. To help with that I think it's very important, as you said, clear symbology and color coding so you can easily refer to it, and also to be as specific as possible. Rules should not be assumed on the basis of common sense, as it cannot be common to all, rules must be clearly defined.

[gregoryolenski]

For me a succinctly written rulebook is key whatever style it's in.

[picklebuckeye]

These are great tips! I wish every designer would follow these, there are so many poorly written or designed rulebooks.

[Aurion]

Oooh wow. Interesting, glad I found this !

[ChristianLyksPencils]

Just watched a playthrough of Philosophia. Game looks pretty cool

[michaeldarling]

Great advice! It's very challenging to write a rule book because it's hard to pretend you don't know how the game works. Putting yourself in the mindset of a player who has never spent a moment with the game before is a real challenge, but if you can write from that perspective, you'll have a better chance to create a rule book that will be useful to your customers.

[paulnewcombe]

Great video, rule books are so often the seemingly forgotten part of games and can be such a barrier for potential gamers

[myautobiographyafanfic]

I think roll-and-move is popular because spacial movement is enjoyable.

[Javman]

Love the look behind the curtains. So far been very impressed with the cogito ergo meeple team and their engagement with the community and their Kickstarter supporters.

[mikekots]

Very interesting video with a lot of useful tips. I think Brass: Birmingham is the best rulebook I have ever read, even though the rules were difficult.

[jimmacalino]

Loved this video! I haven’t seen any other channel with this kind of content. A lot of games focus on components and theme, but may forget the rulebook that explains the game. This is very insightful!