Best way to start

[Andy]

Can someone give me a few tips on starting a BBG.
I know quite a bit of PHP now, and want to make a BBG, a bit like : Tribalwars.net

Can anyone give me just perhaps a few tips, perhaps what you found useful etc during the start of making your own games?

Thanks
- Andy

[JGadrow]

If you know PHP fairly well, the next step of the puzzle is to learn about game design. There are many resources available for this. Somewhere on this forum is a link to a free online game design course. I would suggest running a site search for it and giving it a good read from start to finish.

[Andy]

Is the course free?

[raestlyn]

Is the course free?

... link to a free online game design course...

[-fedexer-]

I saved you the hassle, i believe this post is the one JGadrow was commenting on:

For anyone who hasnt already stumbled over this i thought Id bring it to everyones direct attention now.

http://gamedesignconcepts.wordpress.com/

It is essentially a course in game design from Ian Schreiber.

This blog is an experiment in game design and pedagogy. During Summer 2009, I will post a series of lectures, course notes, readings, and challenges to this blog on the subject of game design.

It makes for some very very interesting reading, (dont miss the comments either...)

comes with a wiki maintained by course participants (there is a forum but its restricted to participants)

Decided to go find it for myself to give it a look over 

[Sunchaser]

I almost read entirely that course, very good info there, for a game designer. I would love to collaborate with that guy, even free.

[JGadrow]

Yeah, I did read the whole thing. lol It's all basic game design principles but very must-read for beginners.

[Andy]

Well in it says free online game course. I presumed it was a course for free online games, thats why I asked if it cost

Sorry for the confusion

[Andy]

Oh and thanks! Helps! =P

[Marek]

That's a very interesting course, and definitely worth a read. It covers some topics that can be applied to board games, which is an interesting perspective, although not always directly applicable to online games without some re-thinking. It covers the solid basics: the importance of design decisions, and the significance of playtesting.

On similar topics, Dan Cook's articles are among my favourites. He has a write-up about his approach to designing a board game called Giants and Castles: "Evolutionary Design" (http://lunar.lostgarden.com/evolutionary_game_design.htm).

It's definitely worth a read, and his other articles are very insightful as well.

[Andy]

That too is extremely helpful, I've got a lot of work to do 

[Barrikor]

On similar topics, Dan Cook's articles are among my favourites. He has a write-up about his approach to designing a board game called Giants and Castles: "Evolutionary Design" (http://lunar.lostgarden.com/evolutionary_game_design.htm).

Thanks Nano 

That really was a good read, gave me a few things to think about, especially page 4. Thanks!