Hi there!
My name is Mayu and I am a game designer. Well at least in my head I am. See the thing is one of my hobbies is thinking up interesting concepts for games I would like to play, however I never actually get to the part where you start actually building the game.
The process for me usually goes something like this: I think of a cool theme. Then I start coming up with mechanics that would work nicely with the game. And then I just keep revising and revisiting my notes over and over. I always end up finding some flaws with the design (this is all happening mostly in my head still) and then decide that the game would probably not work anyway and I move on to something new.
Now my question to you more experienced designers is this: How did you take that leap from something that is mostly in your head to actually building a prototype? Was is easy for you or was it something that you actually had to actively "convince" yourself to do? What are some good tips and techniques for prototyping on the cheap? Would really appreciate it some advice on this, even if it is just the story of how you got from idea to prototype for the first time.
I am fully aware that "ideas are cheap" and that often the biggest difference between an aspiring game designer and an actual game designer is that the game designers actually take that step and create the game. So I am hoping you all have some advice on crossing that line. :)
On a more personal note, I am 32 years old, married with two lovely daughters, living and working in Stockholm, Sweden.
Cheers!
Mayu
Thanks everyone for the great feedback. The game I am thinking of involved only cards and different colored standard D6s, so it should be relatively easy to make a physical prototype.
I am not proficient with Illustrator/Photoshop type programs. Are there any "standard" TCG card templates floating around the net that you know of by chance?
Again, thanks very much for the feedback!
Mayu