A step-by-step guide to prototyping
The following is a step-by-step process to develop an effective prototype. These steps can be used to prototype an entire game or just a single feature, or maybe just to evaluate a change to an existing system.
Step 1 – ask the right questions
Whether the prototype is for trying out a game idea or a new mechanic or evaluating and improving something within your game, you need to have a clear problem in mind and how you imagine the prototype is going to solve it. Never start prototyping if you don’t know what you need to evaluate or prove.
What would make a good question? And a bad one?
Usually, good questions are specific. Asking whether a mechanic is fun or not would be a bad question. What do we mean by fun? A better question would probably be, does this mechanic provide enough decision-making for the player? Are the choices meaningful? How does the experience support or enrich other parts of the game? How much mental...