Moon Conquest

2021

Summary

Moon Conquest is a 2-player board game where both players compete for conquering the each area of the moon. The winner is the one that places a piece in each square of the board.

Type: Board game
Role: Solo developer


Prototype testing
Prototype testing

Solo Developer

  • Analyzed the 1980s arcade game Q-bert, extracting and adapting its mechanics for the board game.
  • Designed and illustrated all graphics, including game pieces and packaging.
  • Modeled and 3D-printed character tokens.
  • Created the branding and overall image for the game.
  • Organized playtesting sessions.
  • Crafted prototypes for testing, including a final prototype matching the final product's quality.
  • Designed, edited, and printed the rulebook.
Rulebook (digital view)
Rulebook

Postmortem

What went well

  • By keeping the mechanics to a small number and focusing on simplicity, I was able to understand the game's core elements and iterate effectively.
  • The game's aesthetics and branding were well-executed, contributing to an attractive and high-quality final product.

What went wrong

  • The game was perceived as boring and overly long, highlighting the need for better balance and more iterations to refine gameplay, which could've been improved by reducing the randomness and providing players with more engaging experiences and meaningful decision-making opportunities.

What I learned

  • I learned that a simple rapid prototype is highly adaptable for testing new changes in mechanics.
  • Writing the rulebook helped me understand how to explain and pitch the game clearly to clients and players.
  • While making the game, I developed skills such as 3D modeling, illustration, and most importantly, game design. This was my first game, where I discovered my passion as a game designer, marking a significant milestone in my journey.