Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design

Putting It Together

Covering all aspects of the whole genre of strategy games in a single chapter is an impossible task. Thus, here we have focused on the core mechanic behind all strategy games: the triumvirate of conflict, exploration, and trade. An excellent example is The Settlers of Catan, shown in Figure 10.10.

Figure 10.10. The Settlers of Catan.

The rules of this board game are exceptionally concise and very well balanced. Trade, conflict, and exploration are all included in equal measure. Examination and understanding of these rules—how and why they work so well—will form an excellent basis for the design of your own strategy game, no ...