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How To Create Your Own PC Dice Board Game

Using computer software to create your own board game is a good way to save on materials such as cardboard, paper and glue. But that is the easy part; the hard part is coming up with a novel game idea that is challenging and fun. Board games generally follow a pattern where each player takes a turn to make a move or make a decision in an attempt to accomplish a goal before his opponents. Chance is usually built into these actions using dice. If you have a great idea for a board game, use your PC to bring it to life.

Instructions

- 1
  Decide the overall objective of the game and what the players' goals are. It could be to win a battle or war, to find some treasure or to correctly answer quiz questions. Try to keep the objective as simple as possible. For example, in Monopoly, although it has many rules, pieces and outcomes, the basic object of the game is to be the richest player.
- 2
  Work out what the players have to do to reach the objective. With a dice game, a player's moves can be determined by the roll of the dice. The dice can also determine other outcomes, such as who wins a battle in a war game.
- 3
  Download the game creation software to your PC. Cyberboard is a free software application that allows you to create and design board games on your PC. It has a "Roll Dice" function that lets you choose how many dice to roll at once. Other software such as Game Maker 8.0 Lite, which is also available for free download, has a dice creation function. (See Resources)
- 4
  Design the game using the software of your choice. Follow the game design software's instructions to define the characteristics of the board and items on it. Icons to represent players can be customized to suit your needs. You can also design objects that players can collect to reach their goal. Set the scoring system to award or deduct points for a player's actions.
- 5
  Save the game using the game creation software and give it a memorable or descriptive game. Try to avoid naming your games "Game 1" or "Game 2" so you know what your game is about, especially if you create more than one. Give the game a name like "Jungle Treasure Hunt" if the game is set in the jungle and involves hunting for treasure, for example.
- 6
  Test the finished game with friends and refine the game play. There are usually improvements that can be made. Try to make the game as simple and as fun as possible.

Board Games