Board Game Design Group

Many gamers dabble in game design, but most don't take it that far. After prompting from Henning, and some discussions over the past few weeks, we'd like to start a game design group.

The mission would be to create a collaborative working team to learn about the game design, development, production and marketing processes with the goal of publishing a board game.

We would work towards this goal through informal bi-weekly meetings to:

1. Share education resources and presentations with all members, including:

Presentations from members and local gaming personalities.
Information on board game design concepts (mechanics, prototyping techniques, design testing, etc)

2. Provide and Open Forum for:

Game design discussions.
Collaborate on a board game design.
Discuss games in development.

And most importantly,
3. Socialize and have fun!

We would also hold bi-monthly workshops to:

Collaborate on board game design.
Develop and test prototypes

We are looking for people who are interested in Board Game Design and have the time to meet on a bi-weekly basis, and for the bi-monthly design forums. This doesn't have to be a strong commitment, just some passion for the hobby, and open to sharing some ideas with others.

If you are interested, please express so here. We would like to get a first get-together kicked off in the near future, in hopes to get this rolling in September.

The first session would be an exploration of the individuals goals for the group, and working towards some common goals. For example, what sort of collaborative design should we work towards? What sort of experience and skills do some of the people involved have? What is your favourite type of beer? Important questions!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Re: Board Game Design Group

Count me in.

Grrr

I posted a long reply, a very long reply, but it had timed me out so i was no longer logged on and I lost it.

It was briliant but you will never know.

Henning

Grr!

I've had the same thing happen to me, not here, but on other forums (PhpBB and SMF). I'll look at the time out here and try to address that issue. I tend to draft response in Textpad just because of this now.

Maybe this can be implemented as a "time as a constraint" in a new game?

"Forums: Posting 101" - An exciting game of thrilling forums posting! Experience flame wars, anonymous trolls, and timeout issues.

That sounds awesome!

Suggested Dates

We informally discussed some of the options for this discussion on board game design. We are considering the first and third Wednesday of every month. That schedule sets it up for about once every two or three weeks, depending on where the week sits.

Any feedback on these potential dates?

In either case, we'd like our first kick-off meeting on September 1st, 2010. See you there!

Currently there are four people interested in the "working" group, with 3 or so more that have expressed interest, but because of scheduling difficulties cannot commit on a regular basis. These people will probably still be involved, but less formally.

Henning and I were chatting about this, and through this conversation this article on Le Havre was mentioned. Please read this article, an amazing review on an amazing game that has changed resource based gaming.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/503185/a-landmark-game

Re: Board Game Design Group

Where would the meetings be held?

Meeting Location

No decision as to the location of the meetings has been determined. My suggestion would be that we take advantage of local pub and eating establishments.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Sounds good - and yummy too!

Re: Board Game Design Group

Yes, yummy is good.

Any thoughts on a location for September 1st? I'll email to include the new people that expressed interest also.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Being naturally selfish, and preferring a location somewhat close to the area of my residence in Uplands (mainly to facilitate transportation issues), I would prefer a meeting place in the north segment of the city; specifically, any location within the area defined by Albert Street to Broad Street, and 9th Avenue North to the downtown area.

In the downtown area I would recommend either O'Hanlon's or the Cathedral Free House, as both have an excellent selection of specialty beers on tap. Further north (within my preferred area of course) I would suggest the Press Box, or the Last Straw (both on Albert Street), or Queen City Pizza and Pub on 9th Avenue North.

That's my two cents worth!!

Location, Location, Location

Barry has many good suggestions.

I'm also in the North end, and when needed we can commute to make it easier for both of us. Another North end option is The Last Straw, although their specialty beer is non-impressive, it's got some good burgers!

Let's head for the Free House this time, and see how that goes for us.

Not thinking too far ahead, but we might want to choose a "slower" night for these meetings as Wednesdays are usually Wing night at many places.

Location

How about the German or Serbian club where it is quieter?

Henning

Re: Board Game Design Group

I am up for the German club. Until we determine the regular communication channel, I'll email the others involved.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Is this where to post our mechanics ideas and reviews, or is there a separate forum for that?

Re: Board Game Design Group

You now have access to the developer forum.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Sorry, I'm still not seeing the Developer forum. Can you send me a link?

Re: Board Game Design Group

My mistake, access is now granted. Sorry about that.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Depending on the commitment requirements, I may be interested in getting involved in this group.

Are you still meeting?
How do I go about getting involved?

Matt

Re: Board Game Design Group

Quote by Matt Robertson:Depending on the commitment requirements, I may be interested in getting involved in this group.

Are you still meeting?
How do I go about getting involved?

Matt

We are still "meeting", generally on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. If you are interested, you can be added to the forums, and be notified of the next get-together.

Re: Board Game Design Group

Quote by Jason Pass:Quote by Matt Robertson:Depending on the commitment requirements, I may be interested in getting involved in this group.

Are you still meeting?
How do I go about getting involved?

Matt

We are still "meeting", generally on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. If you are interested, you can be added to the forums, and be notified of the next get-together.

Sure. I would like to come and check it out. Typically Wednesdays are booked for me, but I could sneak out for a meeting or two.

Thanks,
Matt