In the book I am reading, there is a sentense that talked about a thumb rule that could be interesting to apply to board games:
There is an old Hollywood rule of thumb: If a line in a script doesn’t serve at least two purposes,
it should be cut. Many designers, when they find their game doesn’t feel right, first
think, “Hmm… what do I need to add? ” Often, a better question is “What do I need
to remove? ”
I think that is a great idea: make sure that each elements of your game serves at least 2 purpose.
Lately I have used this rules: In my game, I awarded conquest trophy that gives you victory points. But now it is also used to intimidate other players.
From know game example: The buildings in puerto rico has 2 purpose: give you special abilities and victory points at the end of the game. Cities in settlers of catan allows to give you resources and victory points.
So do you think it is a good thumb rule that could be applied to board games design?
