Episode #74: Rules for Writing Rules

Listen Here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/theforbiddenlimb/BGBP074.mp3

Learn all about Jeremy’s “7 Rules for Writing Rules” and what Richard and Brian think about them. We actually disagree on this on more than most episodes!

  1. Force yourself to write your rules right away and have them ready for your first playtest with real people.
  2. Start strong. Tell a story as you give the theme.
  3. Use software to maintain your rules and keep them always up-to-date.
  4. Add notes to add diagrams later.
  5. Put a component list at the end of the rules use a component diagram with labels.
  6. Use 2nd person to specify “you”.
  7. Use white space and formatted lists.

Writing Rules!

Richard, Jeremy, and Brian talk about writing rules. Here are some of the topics we cover:

  • Different styles of reading and writing rules
  • Rules layouts
  • Managing versions of rules
  • Rules editors
  • Sanity test
  • Reference cards vs. rules
  • Rules for an expansion
  • Blind playtests

Podcast/Audio: http://traffic.libsyn.com/theforbiddenlimb/FLP026.mp3

Resources:
The Game Crafter Sanity Tests