Top 10 Tips for Rulebook Writing | How to Create a Tabletop Game #7

[@brianharrison455]

I just had this video come up in my feed and I am glad I checked it out. I have been struggling with my own rulebook and you had some really good advice, thank you! I will certainly go back and watch the rest of the series!

[@cogitodesign]

Amazing, I'm really pleased I could help. Good luck with writing your rulebook!

[@Gaming4871]

I'm currently designing a tabletop RPG with detectives and police set in the 1930's where you gather evidence, interrogate NPC's and at the end when you have all the correct info about the suspect you make a final accusation and you gain XP and level up in rank. It's quite complex because I need to design tons of cut-outs for objects, maps for the locations, hand-outs for various objects, mysterious letters , police databases for license plates, fingerprints and criminal records for the players to compare. Again, the game is complex but fun and makes the player want to play again on the next session because it's keeping them on the edge and encourages investigation further. The name of the game is called: Solved Cases, a role-playing investigation game. (Ages 18+)

[@cogitodesign]

Wow, that sounds really cool and quite a challenge to design! Is there anywhere people can follow your progress? It sounds really interesting!

[@vanessar8056]

Completely agree on graphic design, it’s so hugely important for helping to inform the player of specific information without *actually* telling them.

[@cogitodesign]

For sure, thanks for commenting!

[@beticboardgaming]

Ya I love when a rulebook has the quick setup guide in the front so I can look back at it later on. I love when the rulebook flows easily as well. I dont like when I have to go to different parts of the rulebook to fully understand one of the concepts. Clear definitions and symbols are a must as well!

[@cogitodesign]

For sure! Thanks for your comment and good luck in the giveaway!

[@therandommeeple3800]

Philosophia looks really interesting. And you are right, most people want to jump right onto the game and not read that much rules.

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!

[@wojtekgorski6856]

What?? Why am I discovering this series just now? I will surely watch the whole serie of how to create a board game and I'll probably go back to those videos too as I'll be trying to make one - it's been a small dream of mine for some time. Amazing job 😍

[@cogitodesign]

So pleased to hear this, thanks so much for your support!!

[@themightyironoak]

As a gamer, I actually love reading rule books, almost mre than playing the games, i learn the game and then explain it to everyone else lol

[@cogitodesign]

Nice! Most people find that the worst bit but it's something that just has to be done... I bet your fellow gamers are big fans of you taking that job off their plate!

[@michaeldarling7169]

Great advice! It's very challenging to write a rule book because it's hard to pretend you don't know how the game works. Putting yourself in the mindset of a player who has never spent a moment with the game before is a real challenge, but if you can write from that perspective, you'll have a better chance to create a rule book that will be useful to your customers.

[@cogitodesign]

Couldn't agree with you more, when you know a game inside out it's very challenging to pretend you don't know the rules and revert back to step 1. Blind play testing has always proven to be really useful at ironing out these issues in the rulebook for us. Thanks for your comment!

[@Aurion06]

Oooh wow. Interesting, glad I found this !

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much and good luck in the giveaway!

[@christiangoc-ong6100]

we need more youtube channels like this!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks for your comment!

[@saryuubiqlus7509]

These tips are great, will be sure keepings 'em all in mind. Thanks Cogito!

[@cogitodesign]

No problem at all, so pleased to hear you found them helpful!

[@storaxbaum1422]

Wow, just fund your channel, and thanks for this interesting video 🙂 And an additional giveaway ... too cool 🙂

[@cogitodesign]

Glad to hear you liked the video, thanks!

[@sorenl48]

Gotta check out your other episodes of this, really helpful thanks guys

[@cogitodesign]

No worries at all, glad to hear you found this video helpful. Enjoy watching the others and good luck in the giveaway!

[@artorias6966]

very cool and informative video, will surely come in handy. Thank you!

[@cogitodesign]

Glad to hear this, thanks!

[@joaognoato158]

For me what frustrates me the most when I'm learning a new game are possible ambiguities. To help with that I think it's very important, as you said, clear symbology and color coding so you can easily refer to it, and also to be as specific as possible. Rules should not be assumed on the basis of common sense, as it cannot be common to all, rules must be clearly defined.

[@cogitodesign]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for commenting!

[@paulnewcombe4051]

Great video, rule books are so often the seemingly forgotten part of games and can be such a barrier for potential gamers

[@cogitodesign]

For sure! Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!

[@Javman200]

Love the look behind the curtains. So far been very impressed with the cogito ergo meeple team and their engagement with the community and their Kickstarter supporters.

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much for all your support, much appreciated! Good luck in the giveaway 🙌

[@jimmacalino]

Loved this video! I haven’t seen any other channel with this kind of content. A lot of games focus on components and theme, but may forget the rulebook that explains the game. This is very insightful!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much and so pleased you are liking our channel! Good luck in the giveaway!

[@JaimeR13]

That’s very helpful. Thanks

[@cogitodesign]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@vabejo4810]

Thank you for this cool video!

[@cogitodesign]

No worries, glad you like it!

[@brettjardin5227]

Actually love your content, thanks for this

[@cogitodesign]

No problem and glad to hear this. Thanks!

[@picklebuckeye]

These are great tips! I wish every designer would follow these, there are so many poorly written or designed rulebooks.

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much, so pleased to hear you like the video and found the tips useful!

[@MythosMisfit]

definetly coming back to this video once I get to making a rule book for my game!

[@cogitodesign]

Good plan! Thanks for commenting!

[@ChristianLyksPencils]

Just watched a playthrough of Philosophia. Game looks pretty cool

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks, great to hear!

[@Enzo-ke8wc]

Great video! Thanks!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!

[@MartinColodner]

Awesome video. You're right that a rulebook is a barrier for most.

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks v much and good luck!

[@JoseLuisDelgado82]

Thanks for the tips and for the giveaway 😉

[@cogitodesign]

No problem, good luck!

[@timothy2661]

Your game looks really cool, would love to try it

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!

[@petrovesny9644]

Thank you for this video.

[@cogitodesign]

No worries, thanks for your support!

[@mikekots]

Very interesting video with a lot of useful tips. I think Brass: Birmingham is the best rulebook I have ever read, even though the rules were difficult.

[@MrKiru224]

Nice video, as always! 👍👍

[@cogitodesign]

Aw thanks very much! ☺️

[@smact7481]

Great video!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!!

[@skarnipolassassin9856]

Thanks for this tips Cogito :)

[@cogitodesign]

No problem, good luck!

[@flagspiregames7715]

I shall be back here when my games come together haha

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks for your comment and good luck!

[@khiarastales2091]

Thank you for the helpful videos about game designing! This particularly helped me since I'm afraid my rulebook might be confusing. Also good luck with your new game!

[@cogitodesign]

So pleased to hear I could be of help! Thanks for your comment ☺

[@gregoryolenski4650]

For me a succinctly written rulebook is key whatever style it's in.

[@cogitodesign]

Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for your comment and good luck in the giveaway!

[@mannyk1307]

Wish these episodes came more regularly, BUT OBVIOUSLY THATS ALOT OF WORK HAHA

[@cogitodesign]

I'll try, more coming soon! Thanks for your support ☺

[@MattHoevenaars]

Rulebook writing is very important. Thanks for the tips.

[@cogitodesign]

No problem, glad I could be of help!

[@maxmoody1773]

Good luck! Will be following the account, love board game design content!

[@cogitodesign]

Amazing, great to hear! Thanks so much and good luck in the giveaway!

[@maelmorholt]

Philosphy seems awesome!! Thanks!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Mastajosue]

This was very insightful! Keep up the good work!

[@cogitodesign]

Aw thanks so much and glad to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@matteoarmin4370]

NEED MORE COGITO DESIGN ASSISTANCE

[@cogitodesign]

Here anytime! Thanks so much for your support!

[@hyoen5493]

Very insightful video, gonna make sure I use some of this stuff :)

[@cogitodesign]

Amazing, glad I could help! Thanks for commenting and good luck!

[@IonutDgiony]

Nice video

[@cogitodesign]

Thank you!!

[@tonygonz1548]

Would love to win this game :) Best of luck to everyone else

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks for commenting!

[@evlionnnn5837]

THUMBS UP!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!!

[@vjjj42]

Loving this series!! 👍

[@cogitodesign]

Thank you!!!

[@michaelmann3510]

Very insightful video, continue the great work !

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much for your kind words, much appreciated and good luck in the giveaway!

[@michaelmann3510]

@@cogitodesign 101 comments to compete with aha, we'll see how lucky I am

[@stellax5712]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@cogitodesign]

No worries at at all, thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

I think roll-and-move is popular because spacial movement is enjoyable.

[@WillyElLuchador]

I will check the other videos. Great giveaway!!

[@cogitodesign]

Great, thanks so much and good luck!

[@titansplay]

I am totally guilty when it comes to wanting to jump straight into the game. Overall, I find that I retain easier the information by experience rather than reading it. Nevertheless, that is too much work and a massive inconvenience as the first game has to be dedicate almost entirely to the learning curve. It all of course depends on the complexity of the game as well. Thank you, for the lovely video and Giveaway ❤️

[@cogitodesign]

I agree, the first game is definitely all about learning! Glad you like the video and good luck in the giveaway!

[@robertnoall8847]

Another amazing video. Thanks! :)

[@cogitodesign]

So pleased to hear you like the video, thanks so much for your support and good luck in the giveaway!

[@TheJamesMReid]

Thanks for the giveaway! Great advice as well.

[@cogitodesign]

No problem at all, good luck in the giveaway!

[@setokaiba2052]

Hey guys! What's the next episode going to be about?

[@cogitodesign]

Hello! Not sure, we've done a lot of the design elements now and the game is almost finished. Is there something in particular you'd like to hear more about? We were thinking for our next video perhaps talking about balancing the game or even about publishing. Thanks for commenting!

[@ottoaxolotl8173]

Great video and fantastic giveaway!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks v much!

[@hamzabenkrid2079]

I like your video the game is amazing I like it is my favourite in this year 💕

[@cogitodesign]

Aw thanks very much, that means a lot!

[@FraserConnell]

this video is so useful! only found your channel today so i've subbed :) ngl id also like to win the game hahaha

[@cogitodesign]

Really pleased to hear this, thanks so much for your support and good luck in the giveaway!

[@cogitodesign]

Fraser, you are the winner of this giveaway, congratulations! 🎉 Please email me the following information before the end of the day on Wed 3rd Nov: your full name, address, phone number and email address so I can arrange a free copy of the game to be delivered to you (if I don't hear from you by the end of the day on Wed 3rd Nov, I'm afraid I will have to pick a different winner). My email is: [e-mail] Congrats again! 🤩🙌

[@FraserConnell]

@@cogitodesign just emailed you!! 😆

[@tyn265]

I would imagine writing a clear rule book would be very difficult. Even when we speak the same language we can inturpt things differently

[@cogitodesign]

For sure, thanks for your comment!

[@wingspangirl]

I like reading rulebooks, I prefer that than watching a how to play video, but ideal for me is to do both. Fun fact: I don't like rulebooks translated to Polish, I don't trust them. I prefer to read them in the original language or in English.

[@cogitodesign]

I agree, a bit of both works well! Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!

[@michaelmann3510]

Will try join the instagram giveaway aswell!

[@cogitodesign]

Awesome, good luck!

[@claude_bo]

👍

[@cogitodesign]

🙏🏻🙌

[@kosterix123]

These are not tips at all. They are items from a checklist. I agree with the items but it won't help anybody at all because you completely bypass the HOW. Even as a checklist, you missed half the items.

[@AlexanderMartinez-kd7cz]

wait, people don't consume game rules explanations for fun? okay then :/

[@cogitodesign]

I know right?! What better way to spend a Friday night 😂

[@JonBunger]

Great video!

[@cogitodesign]

Thanks so much!!

[@nahuelsede1009]

Great video!

[@cogitodesign]

Thank you!

[@aquinium8208]

Great Video !

[@cogitodesign]

Thank you!