Organizing core game data and specifications
Game Information Management is the foundation of effective game development within Boardssey. This comprehensive guide walks you through how to organize, update, and leverage your game's core data to maintain a professional and efficient development workflow.
The Game Info Tab
The Game Info tab serves as the central hub for all essential information about your game. As shown in the Tricklings example, this tab displays critical game details that define your project:
Core Game Details
Game Title: The name of your game (e.g., "Tricklings")
Version Number: Track iterations with version numbers (e.g., "v1")
Development Status: Current stage (e.g., "Playtesting")
High-Concept Description: A concise pitch summarizing your game (e.g., "Heed tavern rumors, bid in auctions, and shapeshift your trick for epic results.")
Game Hooks
Hooks are compelling features or mechanics that make your game stand out:
Hook #1: Describe a unique theme of your game. e.g. A steampunk adventure in a floating city.
Hook #2: Describe a unique twist on your mechanisms. e.g. Placed workers can time travel to change the outcome of events.
Hook #3: Describe a unique component or toy factor. e.g. Includes miniature airships that actually float on the game board.
Technical Specifications
Essential data points that categorize your game:
Designer: The game creator's name
Artist: Visual design credit
Number of Players: Player count range (e.g., "3-5")
Duration: Expected playtime (e.g., "30-45 minutes")
Age: Recommended player age (e.g., "12+")
Genre: Game category (e.g., "Family Game")
Mechanisms: Core gameplay systems (e.g., "Trick-taking, Auction/Bidding")
Complexity: Visual indicator of game complexity level
Licensed to: Publishing or licensing information
Full Game Description
The detailed description provides a comprehensive overview of your game, including:
Thematic setting
Primary gameplay objectives
Core mechanics
Unique features
Player interactions
Scoring methods
Managing Game Information
Editing Game Details
To update your game's information:
Navigate to your game in the Games Center
Click on the "Game Info" tab if not already active
Select "Edit game" from the menu options
Update relevant fields in the editing interface
Save your changes
Best Practices for Information Management
Clear and Concise Content
Keep hook descriptions under 70 characters for quick comprehension
Use active language that highlights player actions
Focus on what makes your game unique
Consistent Updates
Update game information as your project evolves
Ensure game details match the current development status
Keep complexity ratings and playtime estimates accurate based on playtesting results
Professional Presentation
Verify all text for grammar and spelling
Use consistent capitalization for game terms
Maintain a professional tone in all descriptions
Using Game Information Across Boardssey
Your game's information syncs across the platform:
Information entered in the Game Info tab automatically populates your public-facing portfolio, ensuring consistency in how your game is presented to publishers and the community.
Playtest Records
Game versions and specifications connect directly to the Playtest Hub, allowing you to track how changes affect gameplay across different iterations.
Tasks and milestones can be linked to specific game aspects, helping you prioritize development based on core game features.
Tips for Effective Game Information Management
Regular Audits: Review your game information monthly to ensure it remains accurate
Version Notes: Document major changes when updating version numbers. Use this feature to track how your game has evolved
Team Access: Ensure all team members understand how to interpret and update game information
Conclusion
Effective Game Information Management creates a strong foundation for your entire development process. By maintaining accurate, comprehensive, and well-organized game data, you create a professional impression for collaborators, playtesters, and potential publishers while streamlining your workflow across all of Boardssey's powerful features.
Remember that your Game Info tab is often the first impression someone will have of your project, whether that's a new team member, a playtester, or a publisher.
Taking the time to craft clear, compelling, and accurate information pays dividends throughout your game's development journey.