Board game design workflow for creating fun, balanced games. Use when designing mechanics, balancing factions, analyzing resource economies, validating rules clarity, planning playtests, or iterating on game systems. Applies Eurogame principles and proven design methodology.
This skill provides comprehensive guidance for designing engaging board games, with emphasis on German-style Eurogame principles. It covers mechanical design, balance analysis, asymmetric faction design, resource economy systems, playtesting methodology, and rules documentation.
German-style Eurogames emphasize:
When designing core mechanics:
Resources are the lifeblood of strategic games:
The Action Economy: The most precious resource is often actions/turns. When designing:
Asymmetry increases replayability but requires careful balance:
Types of Asymmetry (from subtle to extreme):
Balance Principles:
Testing Asymmetry:
Balance ensures fair competition and strategic viability:
Pre-Playtest Balance:
Balance Levers:
Handling Runaway Leaders:
Playtesting is iterative, time-consuming, and essential:
Phase 1: Solo Testing
Phase 2: Guided Testing
Phase 3: Blind Testing
Best Practices:
Clear rules prevent confusion and arguments:
This skill includes reference files in references/:
eurogame-principles.md - Deep dive on German-style design philosophybalance-methodology.md - Systematic approaches to game balancedesign-checklist.md - Validation checklist for complete game designsClaude uses this skill when you:
When asked "How should I design an engineer economy?":
When asked "Is faction X balanced?":
When asked "This part of the game feels boring":