How to Invent a Game

Instead of playing the same old games every day, create your very own game to play. Devote time to developing your game: brainstorm ideas, assess potential concepts, and name your game. Create the various components of your game, such as a playing field, equipment, accessories, and player roles. After writing a set of clear, brief, and complete rules, play the game.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Developing a Concept for Your Game

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1
Brainstorm ideas for a new game. When you are starting a new project, no idea is a bad idea and collaboration is highly beneficial. Get a piece of paper, grab a pen or pencil, and gather around a table with your fellow inventors. As you all take turns sharing, write down every idea.
- Allow your ideas to be vague or even impossible.
- Don’t criticize or edit the ideas of others.
- Let the ideas of others inspire you.
- Allow everyone a chance to speak.^{[1]XResearch source}
Take time to consider each idea on your brainstorm list. Eliminate ideas that are impossible to execute. Strike concepts that seem unoriginal. Circle exciting potential new games. Highlight ideas that you and your fellow inventors are familiar with, such as a new game that combines your favorites sports or expands upon your favorite board game. Merge ideas that excite—hybrid games can be really fun! Whittle the list down until it contains one idea: the concept of your new game.^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Name your game. Choosing a name for your new game is a process that requires creativity and patience. When selecting a name, assess it against the following criteria:
- Is the name unique?
- Is the name appropriate?
- Is the name catchy?
- It may take you awhile to settle upon the perfect name for your game.^{[3]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Designing the Components of Your Game

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1
Create the game’s field or board. Sports and games are often played on a field or a board. Devote time to determining where your game will be played.
- Will you repurpose an existing sports field, like a baseball diamond, or game board?
- Will you create an entirely new space or board for your game?
- What are the dimensions?
- Are there lines and boundaries?
- What images and designs appear on your board?
- How does the space function within the context of the game?^{[4]XResearch source}
Sports and games are played by one or more players. How many players may participate in your sport or game? Occasionally, players will have different roles. List the roles players may choose between. Describe the responsibilities, advantages, and disadvantages that accompanies each role.^{[5]XResearch source}
3
Design the equipment or additional pieces. Sports and games are often played with a variety of equipment and or pieces. Make a list of the equipment and pieces required to play your sport or game.
- Can you repurpose existing sporting equipment and game pieces or do you need to design your own?
- Does the game require uniforms?^{[6]XResearch source}
- Do different players need different pieces of equipment or accessories?^{[7]XResearch source}
EXPERT TIP
Ashton Wu
Board Game Expert
Ashton Wu is a Board Game expert at Shelfside. After delving into the Yugioh tournament community while growing up, Ashton launched himself into the board gaming community in 2014 and went into reviewing board games as a career full-time in 2019. His YouTube channel Shelfside has over 35K subscribers and over 4 million views, assisted by written reviews on the Shelfside website and BoardGameGeek.com. He also consults with gaming companies to build high-quality gaming products. Ashton is a tournament commentator, board game playthrough director, and host of the Shelfside Podcast, where he talks about board games with his business partner, Daniel. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in addition to the Technology Management Certificate.
Ashton Wu
Board Game Expert
Design a captivating game. Game players today crave engaging and streamlined experiences. Focus on easy-to-learn rules and quick setup for a smooth start, and design for speed and engagement to keep players hooked. Prioritize mechanics that avoid repetitiveness and ensure every turn feels impactful.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Writing the Rules for Your Game

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1
Summarize your game. Each set of rules should begin with a brief summary, or synopsis, of the fame. The purpose of the summary is to provide the context for the objective and rules that follow. If a summary is well-written, the objective and rules should make sense.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Craft your summary as you would write an elevator pitch. It should be clear, concise, and powerful. It should have a hook and be visual. It should not take players more than one minute to read.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
State the game’s objective. The objective, or goal, is the outcome players are striving to achieve. It provides the game with a purpose. The goal also lays the foundation for all of the game’s rules.^{[10]XResearch source}
- What is the primary accomplishment players are striving to achieve? Does the person or team with the most points, money, or resources win? Does the person or team that crosses the finish line win?
3
List the rules. The rules of your game should be clear, brief, and complete. When creating the rules of your game, keep the following in mind:
- Only use words that help teach an individual how to play—strip down your rules, removing all unnecessary words, asides, and jokes.
- Use lists, bullet points, diagrams, and examples to explain and demonstrate the object of your game.
- Group together related rules.
- Explain all terms that may be unfamiliar.
- Anticipate the questions players may have and incorporate the answers into your rules.^{[11]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Testing Your Game

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Well-written rules should only need to be read or heard once before the game is played. Rules that require additional explanation or a translation are not well-written. To test the quality and clarity of your rules, read the rules aloud to family members and friends.^{[12]XResearch source}
2
Play the game. Once the rules are understood, ask friends and family members to play the game. As they play, sit back and observe their actions and reactions. Note when they appear frustrated, bored, or confused; record when they appear excited and engaged with the game.
- Consider having multiple groups of people test the game.
Assessing the results of your tests will inform the changes you make to the game. Ask your participants for their thoughts on the rules and the game. Allow them to ask questions share concerns. Remain open to their feedback and write down the constructive comments. After assessing their reactions, comments, and criticisms, select the components of your game you wish to change. Revise or completely alter these parts of your game.^{[13]XResearch source}

Community Q&A

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Question
How do I find a website that I can make a game on?
Community Answer
Find game-hosting websites. Kongregate is a great example; the site even holds development contests occasionally.
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How can I think of a game?
Community Answer
You can think of a game by things that happen in your day-to-day life, a situation going on with your friends or family, or maybe a spy game about an organization.
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How do I invent something?
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By coming up with an idea or product that no one has thought of before that would be fun or helpful.
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Tips

You can publish your game by posting it in your blog/website. This will allow other people around the world can play your game.
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Be creative!
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Invite friends to test the game, or play with your family.
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