the art of theft

overview

Immerse yourself in the adrenaline-fueled world of "The Art of Theft," a board game that masterfully captures the essence of high-stakes art heists. This game invites players into an intense battle of wits and strategy, featuring asymmetric gameplay that vividly contrasts the roles of cunning thieves and strategic guards.

objective

To craft a captivating board game centered on the enthralling dynamics of art heists, using asymmetric gameplay to create a tense showdown between ingenious thieves and observant guards.

key features

• asymmetric gameplay paradigm: A one-of-a-kind gameplay experience where thieves rely on stealth and cunning, countered by guards using surveillance and tactical acumen.

• specialist characters: Introducing four unique specialists for each role, each tailored to offer diverse strategies and playstyles.

• door-locking mechanic: An innovative feature enabling guards to control pathways, adding layers of strategy and unpredictability.

• complex player navigation: Intricately designed mechanics that authentically mirror the distinct capabilities of thieves and guards, enhancing player immersion.

my role

As Lead Game Designer and System Designer, I invested 40 hours per week over two months. My primary focus was advancing emergent gameplay and character specialist development, driving the game's strategic depth and narrative.

design contributions

• gameplay architecture: Spearheaded the creation of a gameplay structure that perfectly balances the elements of stealth and strategy.

• specialist development: Meticulously designed each specialist character to enrich player strategies, adding depth to the game.

• innovative mechanics: Pioneered the door-locking system for guards, a strategic tool that generates emergent gameplay scenarios.

• player navigation: Skillfully crafted navigation mechanics to reflect each role’s unique abilities, ensuring a deeply immersive experience.

key challenges and solutions

• challenge: Tackling the unique challenge of designing a board game for the first time, focusing on system and game design without the aid of technology.

  • solution: Leveraged my in-depth understanding of game design principles and system design expertise to craft an exceptional gameplay experience.

key learnings and reflections

• system design mastery: Significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge in system design, particularly in the context of emergent gameplay, honing my ability to create complex and engaging systems.

• character role development: Gained profound insights into the creation of diverse and compelling specialist character roles, vital for driving the narrative and gameplay.

• asymmetric gameplay design: Developed proficiency in asymmetric design for multiplayer games, ensuring both sides experience a fun and distinct gameplay journey.

emergent system design research

Conducted an in-depth and extensive research into what makes certain system designs breed emergence, with profound and insightful findings guiding clear and actionable methods into facilitating emergent system design.

conclusion

The Art of Theft is not just a board game; it's a testament to my ability to blend intellectual rigor with captivating gameplay. This project underscores my skills in innovative game design and the art of creating balanced, immersive gameplay experiences.

I am keen to discuss this project, receive feedback, or explore collaborative opportunities within the gaming industry.

contact me