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Session Name:

Board Game Design Summit: Don't Hate the Player: Designing Board Games for Divergent Play Experiences

Overview:

What is the "right" way to enjoy board or card games? Many board game designers enter the industry with preconceived notions about fun, games, and play, based on their gaming pasts. Some revel in the conflict and drama of social deduction games, for example, while others prefer the solitary planning of low-interaction Euros. These preferences come with powerful biases that shape board game design tendencies, often subconsciously. The truth is, there is no wrong way to enjoy games. Preferences and biases are unavoidable; however, designers who develop an appreciation of the diverse forms that game enjoyment can take are better able to create innovative and deeply satisfying play experiences. This talk from board game designer & podcaster Emma Larkins utilizes practical and philosophical categorization of play experiences to allow designers to find paths for uniquely delightful play.

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  • Game Developers Conference 2021
  • Emma Larkins
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  • Board Game Design Summit
  • Design