Here they are: the rules for Over the Next Dune, the game I’ve been working on and our case study. Up to this point, every time I’ve taught this game I’ve done so by actually being in the room, physically demonstrating it. The players have always found it easy and intuitive. Writing the rules so that they are as easy to understand as those in-person demos has been quite the challenge. This is my current effort; I think it’s the best so far, but I know it’s far from perfect and would welcome feedback.
In particular:
1. What parts of the rules are unclear?
2. Right now the rules are largely plain text. Where would diagrams be useful?
3. What structural changes to the rules could I make to help players understand them? Should I move sections around, combine sections or split them up, or otherwise change the overall flow of the document?
What I’m looking for in this specific post is feedback about the presentation of the rules, rather than feedback about the rules themselves. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to go over the rules with a fine-toothed comb! I just want to make sure that the rules are comprehensible so that everyone is on the same page.
You’ll see that the rules start with instructions on assembling your own print-and-play copy of the game. Those files will go up on Friday, with their own feedback request. I’ll warn you in advance that they’re meant to be kind to your printer ink, so they’re not very flashy. However, they definitely get the job done.
Let me know what you think in the comments!
The Law of Game Design 