Board Game Progress

Moving on from the paper prototype I wanted to establish the art style of the game so I could test out its readability and get feedback on the style. I knew I was going to use Wonderdraft for creating the tiles so I investigated what symbols I wanted to use for the map and how I wanted to define the roads. At first I tried using Wonderdraft’s built in road system, but they were not visible enough at the scale the prices would be printed at. So I decided that I was going to make them by hand coloring the terrain.

Color Scheme Test

I wanted to see how different color schemes for the ground would look with the roads and how readable the trees would be.

Final Art

Over the next month I worked in Wonderdraft to create all 50 tiles that the game would need. Besides the basic shapes of the forests and roads I wanted to add some splashes of color so I added some groves of golden larches and bright orange maples. I think they created a nice contrast with the blue green pines.

The Package From The Gamecrafter

Seeing the physical prototype with the final art set up for the first time was awesome. It looked better than I could have expected. I am happy with my decision to go with simple wooden cubes for the game pieces. I always prefer wooden game pieces over cardboard or plastic. I think they feel more professional and higher quality.

With this new version in hand I have been able to expand who I’ve been able to playtest it with. My first paper prototype was pretty fragile and didn’t travel well. Over the course of this new play testing I further refined the rules and found more edge cases that I hadn’t accounted for. I am getting close to finalizing the rules and having the game available for sale. When it is ready I’ll be selling it here from my website for anyone interested.