Day 4: The Simple and Stupid Prototype

The goal of prototyping is to test a core game concept as quickly and cheaply as possible. A prototype is not about making a polished product—it’s about learning. The sooner you can test your ideas, the faster you’ll discover what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve. A strong prototype is built around three key elements:

Rules:

• Even in early versions, you need a rough set of rules—and I mean rough!

• These can be in shorthand or explained verbally at first, but write them down as you test different versions.

• Every rule you modify is a learning opportunity—keep track of rule variations and their effects.

Components:

• Use whatever is available—index cards, dice, poker chips, digital tools, Warhammer minis—your prototype doesn’t need to look good, just function.

• Your components should clearly represent all necessary game information so players can interact with your mechanics.

• The simpler, the better—focus on testing ideas, not perfecting visuals.

Questions:

• Before testing, have specific questio…