Given that I got into the game design biz via technical writing and boardgame enthusiasm, I find it easier to think with my hands…pushing a pencil across the page, the buttons on a keyboard, or plastic figures on a cardboard map. Even if the game is distributed digitally, they’re still fundamentally tactile.
So, to keep the ideas flowing, I put together a brainstorm box out of materials scavenged from old boardgames. There’s a little bit of everything here:
- Robot figures – from the Avalon Hill re-release of the much-loved Roborally
- D&D Miniatures – from one of the many 2nd edition AD&D starter sets. Great for skirmishes.
- Cthulhu – many games use a token to indicate who is the active player. People pay attention to Cthulhu
- Wooden pawns – Simple, classic, effective. Four colours.
- Cavalry figures and markers – in 4 colours. From a truly terrible game called Tenjo. Useful for goalposts and double-long figures
- Dinosaurs – I mean…why not! From the Dino Hunt game by Steve Jackson Games.
- Games Seeds – a terrific set of game mechanic inspiration cards with adorably blobby illustrations. Available here
- Poker decks – 2 versions, so distinguish players 1 and 2
- Chess set – magnetic, of course. Great for any time I need a board or want to map out a tactics game.
- Rocket ships – A dozen stackable rockets in four colours. From the Avalon Hill edition of Cosmic Encounters. Great for indicating power-ups, captures, etc.
- Letter tiles – 2 sets of 40. From Zynga’s attempt to break into the physical game space
- Sand Timers – 30 seconds (from Roborally) and 2 minutes (from the kids’ dentist)
- Glass Beads – a boardgame staple
- Dice – Classic six-siders in a variety of colours and sides. use them as counters, pawns, randomizers or pieces!
- Plastic coins – 12 glid, 18 silver, 24 copper. From a pirate-themed game called Bounty. Everybody loves money!
- Tape Measure – for measuring distance and line of sight in tactical games
- Pliyhedrons – I think Kepler was right: these shapes make up universe.
- Rulers/Protractor – for sketches. I might use the protractor as a goal for a game of quarters
- Scholi supplies – it’s not enough to have the ideas…you have to write them down.
- Notebook – this is where the ideas live
- Post-Its – for annotations, pirate sails or cozy blankets