How are games developed?

Every game starts with a good idea but it takes a lot of work to take that idea and turn it into an entertaining game. Most game inventors do what’s called play testing. They pass the game out to as many people as they can to play and give them feedback. Sounds like a great job huh? It’s not just for fun though. Testing a game can show an inventor if there are any loopholes that he didn’t catch. Like what if the first person who has a turn always wins? What if the game takes ten minutes to set up but only one minute to play? That wouldn’t be much fun. While a game is being tested the developer often changes the rules around adds or subtract components and may even hire a game consultant for advice. (That’s another great job eh?) Also important is making sure the rules are clear and easy to understand because if you’re too busy trying to figure out what the rules mean how can you enjoy the game?

What makes a good game?

Most popular games can be easily explained in less than five minutes. If it takes longer than that to get the point across the game is probably too confusing. Another thing that makes a game a good buy especially in frum homes is if it can be played by a broad range of ages. There are other important considerations as well such as how long it takes to play the game. The set up shouldn’t take too long or be too confusing. But the most important thing to look for in a game is that people enjoy playing it. Take the case of the game Monopoly. It was rejected by Parker Brothers the first and second time it was offered to them! They analyzed the game and said that it had fifty-two faults including that it took too long to play a complaint that many people who are serious about board games still have today. For some reason though the game kept gaining popularity and when they finally took over production it became a massive hit. In fact Monopoly is consistently found in the top ten lists of popular games even today. What puts it there? Game testing and theories aside for some reason people just think it’s fun!

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