Always start with an "eh."

        I'm making this blog as part of a class project, as I begin the Game Design sequence at Cuyahoga Community College, but I plan to continue it beyond the end of this class and the sequence. For this, my inaugural post, I've opted for the "I'm making this blog for/to. . ." option. Lame, but I've got a little more content to throw in here.

        For starters, I'd like to inform everyone in the class who might be interested that I am completing the 3D Design sequence this semester and would be up for assisting anyone looking to create a 3D model mock-up of their board game concept. I have several models and textures created of board game related items (various numbered die, etc). I'll include some examples here, but I will provide more examples in my next post.

        These examples are part of a developing strategy board game I've been developing over the year. I am actually having a prototype board and pieces created for play testing by way of thegamecrafter.com and makexyz.com.

        The Game Crafter website is a multifaceted board game website that can be used by both designers and enthusiasts alike. Half of the site features templates, instructions and accessories for game designers to purchase and use to create single print prototypes, or even publish a board game to their game store for board game fans to purchase in a print-on-demand sales model. The other half of the site consists of this retail component, allowing designers to profit from their board game designs without having to worry about financing large-scale production runs of their games.

        MakeXYZ is a database of individuals and businesses that specialize in 3D printing of various types. Pricing, materials, color choice and contact information is very clearly layed out for each 3D printer on the site. I'd also like to add that each of the 3D printers on the site are quick to respond to inquiries from curious parties. In addition to the 3D printing, many of the 3D printers can even shop metal items via personal CNC machines. I'm currently pricing the pieces pictures for sandstone printing.

        For designers who might not want to shell out the typical prices found at MakeXYZ, the Cleveland Public Library offers 3D printing services at a lesser rate. I've yet to make use of this service, but might decide to go that route when it comes time for the group game design project.

        I know most of the people in the class are more video-game oriented, but board game development is not only much more accessible in regards to what knowledge is required to begin development, but themes, concepts, mechanics and experiences developed during the designing of an analog game can often inspire and/or spin off into the digital realm. I'd encourage everyone in the class to develop at least one board game on their own, outside of class, from conceptualization through to prototyping, if only for the fact that the process is so accessible, yet yields so much in regards to experience and personal development. I, personally, look forward to seeing all of the analog games that are developed by the various teams in the class.

George