A step-by-step guide to prototyping

Here follows a step-by-step process for developing an effective prototype. These steps can be used to prototype an entire game or just a single feature, or maybe just to evaluate a change to an existing system.

Step 1: Ask the right questions

Whether the prototype is for trying out a game idea or a new mechanic or to evaluate and improve something within your game, you need to have a clear problem in mind and how you imagine the prototype is going to solve it. Never start prototyping if you don’t know what you need to evaluate or prove.

Note

What would make a good question? And a bad one? Usually, good questions are specific. Asking whether a mechanic is fun or not would be a bad question. What do we mean by fun? A better question would probably be: does this mechanic provide enough decision-making for the player? Are his choices meaningful?

Step 2: Select the framework and tools

Paper or digital prototyping? If paper, is it going to need anything other than...