We've gone through several iterations of design, and several play tests to get an initial feel for balance.
We ran into a negative feedback loop where a player may become impoverished for resources if they have a less-than optimal start, and so we had to revisit the state of the beginning resource allotment, and provide some regular income to players, so that they cannot find themselves permanently behind the 8-ball.
Attached is a screenshot of a recent play-test using paper-printed parts, and bits that are hand-crafted or pirated from other games.
Many more play tests are required, and tuning of the rule-book and quick reference guides, but we're definitely making progress.
Comments
The best game aid
Hi,
I love the inclusion in your prototyping set of the best game aid possible, especially in early playtest phase: bottle of Crown Royal.
Cheers!
AndyGB
Haha! The crown royal bag
Haha! The crown royal bag is an icon of childhood gaming memories, starting from grade-school marbles, to random-draw mechanics in established board games.
This particular play-test demonstrated some flaws in a design mechanic I was using, and prompted an evolution to a slightly different mechanic.
We're chugging through play test rounds now, with minor evolutions to rules and mechanics, but the basics of the game are, so far, very solid.
I want another 9-10 rounds of 'internal play test' and rules adjustments and then I think we'll be ready to take the step toward blind play testing with "questionnaires" attached.
Just have to soak up a few dollars for a couple of prototypes to play with.