Skeleton Code Machine

Skeleton Code Machine

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June 2026

Why I can't shut up about game jams
I was on a panel talking about why game jams are great at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. You may not have been able to attend, but…
Spell programming and action queues in Black Rose Wars
Exploring how Black Rose Wars: Rebirth uses a batch action queue mechanism to create a different kind of tactical play. You program your spells ahead of…
How does a four-way tug of war work?
Exploring how Hidden Leaders combines "influence vs. control" with "tug of war" in a game about four factions vying for power after the death of the…
Bundles of choices in Cat Lady
Exploring how Cat Lady uses a 3x3 grid-based draft to force players to take cards they may not want to get the cards they do. And how this has…
The dice-pool combat system of Encounters: BattleTech
Exploring how Encounters: BattleTech uses a push-your-luck contract system, dice pool, and equipment upgrades to create a game arc. Also, pondering how…

May 2026

What would I want in an area control game?
Someone asked me, "What would you want to see in an area control game?" It's a really interesting question and one that required a lot of thought…
Is Hellboy: The Dice Game solvable?
Exploring how Hellboy: The Dice Game uses push-your-luck mechanisms and custom dice pools. If we calculated all the probabilities, how would that impact…
Manoeuvre-based combat in 2D6 Dungeon
Exploring how 2D6 Dungeon uses a D66 roll and Shift Points to create an interesting solo dungeon crawl combat experience. And how rolling to hit target…
Precognition and hacking turn order in HacKClaD
Exploring how HacKClaD makes drafting turn order slots one of the toughest choices in the game. Charge up your witch power and battle the Clad in this…
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