How to Create Battle Games

Decide whether you want to create a table-top war simulation game (like Risk), or a book based, single-character role-playing game (like Dungeons and Dragons). You may find that your ideal game has aspects of both and is somewhere in between.

Determine the number of players you want your game to accommodate. If you plan to market and sell your game, make the number as flexible as possible. Role-playing games generally require at least three players and are the most enjoyable with larger numbers. Table-top war games, however, are often best when played with two players and can become quite complicated in terms of rules and game mechanics when more are added.

Set an end goal for your game's players. In a role-playing game, this is largely based on the story you create and the goals and advancement of the characters within that plot, whereas a war simulation usually has the end goal of conquest of the "world" (map areas on a board).

Create a basic system of combat. In role-playing games, the combat tradition is usually based on factors of chance (as determined by dice rolls) combined with the characters' acquired weapons, skills and armor (represented by points). In a war simulation, however, combat can be based on gaining "land" and "troops" at the expense of other players' losing them.

Develop enhancements for combat skills and ways to earn them. Whichever format you're working with, make possible goals for your characters beyond the basic "winning the game" objective. Usually this comes in the form of bonus skills or enhancements that the player earns through gameplay and can use to increase his advantages in competition. Creating goals like these gives gameplay more facets while allowing players to customize their approach to trying to win.

Create challenges and potential detriments for players. Like reward and enhancements, possible obstacles make the playing more enjoyable and variable. Consider a system where certain bonuses to one player create detriments to another; for example, you may make it possible for players to acquire one another's weapons or soldiers.

Test play your game with friends and get feedback. This is especially important if you are trying to market and publish your game. Be prepared to encourage and accept honest feedback, as it's very difficult to get all aspects of your game working in a balanced and enjoyable manner the first time around.