Skeleton Code Machine

Skeleton Code Machine

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When is randomness OK in games?
I lost a game of Kingmaker when plague struck Calais and I've been thinking about it ever since. Exploring thematic vs. abstract and random vs. low-luck…
4
Interview: Choose your own adventure with TTRPGkids
An interview with Steph from TTRPGkids about choose your own adventure games, playing TTRPGs with kids, non-violent obstacles, and more.
6
3 design lessons from Ghost Beacon
Exploring how the design of Ghost Beacon for the One-Page RPG Jam taught me some lessons about game design. Keeping good notes, feedback on what's (not…
11
Make beautiful games with 5 free fonts
Use these five fonts the next time you want to branch out from the usuals. All of them are free, versatile, and particularly readable at a range of…
6
Accelerating tabletop game design with Python
Exploring the game design questions Python can (and can't) help us answer when making a new board game or TTRPG.
12

July 2025

Can your players plan their turns?
Exploring the impact of game state changes on the ability of players to have a strategy and plan their turns in advance. The difference between…
14
Place dice without rhythm and it won't attract the worm.
Exploring how Dune: War for Arrakis uses input randomness to assign dice and limit player actions, creating a unique wargame mechanism... and how this…
19
What is dice placement?
Exploring action drafting, worker placement, and worker placement with dice workers in The White Castle, and how it creates tough choices in a tight…
10
I'll give you a choice: take it or leave it.
Exploring the concept of Hobson's Choice in tabletop games, how to identify them, and when they are a good (or bad) part of a game's design.
5
What is a game's decision space?
Exploring increasing and decreasing decision spaces in tabletop games, and how they can be manipulated to create the best player experience.
18

June 2025

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