This month we're examining brilliant mechanics, noteworthy components and revolutionary concepts which are so closely aligned with the identity of their host games.
Earlier this month we looked at a basis to observe game-defining concepts and several examples:
- Risk Legacy modifies established gaming conventions as the board experiences permanent changes.
- Hanabi switched the information available to players to act as a primary demand for strategy.
- The economic simulation provided by the resource market in Power Grid.
http://www.gamesprecipice.com/introduction-to-gdc/
What do you consider to be the best concepts that are so closely associated with one game that they define the player experience?
For many years I was taught and played Backgammon in it's traditional form without the doubling cube.
While it was only introduced to Backgammon in the 1920's, it is a brilliant concept that improved upon a 5000 year old game.
This week we look at one of the game-defining mechanics all game designers should be aware of: The Backgammon Doubling Cube.
Game-defining concepts: The Doubling Cube. http://www.gamesprecipice.com/doublingcube/
The article explores at least five aspects of Backgammon the Doubling Cube has either remedied or enhanced. What are some other ways the doubling cube improves the game of Backgammon?