Prototyping techniques
When it comes to creating a prototype, there are two main options: physical and digital.
You would be surprised to know how many times a physical prototype is used in the video game industry. Many game mechanics can be reproduced through board games, card games, miniature games, or just one sheet of paper with a pen and maybe a few coloring pencils.
Digital prototypes are a bit more complex to put together, but of course, their fidelity to the medium and ability to create real-time environments and handle complex calculations makes them the go-to choice. Most of the time, though, it is always a great idea to start very simply on paper, and then move to digital with clearer ideas.
Paper prototyping
Paper prototypes are my favorites. Making them is as quick as it takes to write on a piece of paper and cut out some cardboard elements. Each time is like creating a little board game! Here's an example:
![](https://static.packt-cdn.com/products/9781787121799/graphics/43fdc0b0-a78f-42d3-9cbd-5b5776ad4efd.jpg)
A simple sketch on a piece of paper might be a great start for a prototype...