Whether your game is still in development stages or the files are almost ready to send off for printing, I can help make sure it's ready by identifying rules that are unclear, identifying points of confusion players will encounter, spotting errors in the text, or providing advice on formatting to increase clarity.
I have extensive knowledge of board game mechanics and different ways of conveying game play details that I will use to ensure players find your game easy to learn.
Do you have a draft of your rulebook?
I will help ensure the language you use is consistent and clear; identify edge cases or loopholes so you can address them; catch mistakes in the text; and produce a style sheet for your reference.
Already have your rulebook laid out and your components designed?
I'll assess the layout of information for clarity, ensure it matches the components, and identify artefacts from the typesetting process.
Have a shorter text?
I will review shorter bits of text—for example, sell sheets, website or back-of-the-box copy, tutorial scripts—on their own, or for consistency with an existing rulebook or style sheet.
My gaming background
I cut my teeth board gaming with the excellent people of the Lincoln Board Games Group in the upstairs room of the Victoria, just below Lincoln Castle.
While I was there, the group consisted not just of board gamers, but also people venturing into board game design. I also engaged in a lot of play testing and careful scrutiny of rules, to help spot inconsistencies and possible edge cases.
I enjoy abstract, social-deduction, and legacy games, and I have been known for my extensive collection of extremely small, portable games. However, my favourite games to play tend to be meatier games I can really sink my teeth into—such as Scythe or Terraforming Mars.