Wednesday Game Art Lab Fall 2025

Analog Game Development: Board Games, RPGs + Beyond

Students will explore the world of analog games by playing a wide range of board games, card games, and tabletop RPGs—analyzing their mechanics, storytelling, and design. From quick party games to complex strategy and roleplaying games, students will break down what makes games engaging and balanced. The second half of the class shifts to creation, where students design their own analog games. They’ll build everything from card decks to RPG rulebooks and board layouts, testing and refining their games through peer playtests and feedback.

Class Objectives:

1. Play and evaluate a variety of analog games to understand core mechanics, player interaction, and game flow.
2. Identify and break down key elements of game design, such as objectives, rules, balance, and randomness.
3. Explore different genres of analog games, including strategy games, storytelling RPGs, and deck-building games.
4. Develop original concepts for board games, card games, or tabletop RPGs through brainstorming and structured design.
5. Create game components such as player pieces, boards, cards, and rulebooks using accessible materials.
6. Playtest original games with peers and revise designs based on feedback and observations.
7. Build storytelling and world-building elements for games with narrative or RPG components.
8. Present and lead others in playing a finished analog game prototype, demonstrating clarity of rules and playability.

Class Stats:
Digital (Device Time): 0% 
Analog (Hands on): 100% 
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Details:
Educator: TBD
Hours: 3-6pm
Dates: 9/10 – 1/21
No Classes: 9/24, 12/24, 12/31
Ages: 6+ 
Available Seats: 8