Week 3 · Ideate

Mechanics & Theme

Brainstorm potential mechanics and theme of our GEHS board game. Then narrow everything down to the one core mechanic and the story idea we could build from. Save it as a PDF copy on your laptop to share with your group.

Team membersDate

Part 1: Brainstorm potential theme ideas

Theme is WHAT the game is about — the story and world players step into. Ours grows out of Gibson Ek. Include all — every idea counts.

In one sentence, what is our game about?

Which parts of Gibson Ek belong in the game's story? Mark every one that feels right — don't hold back yet.

What feeling should players have while they play? (Examples: determined, curious, racing the clock)

Part 2: Narrow It Down

You can't build everything — and strong games don't try. Choose what makes the cut.

Our ONE core mechanic — the thing players do most:

Mechanics that support the core (choose up to three):

The core loop — what one turn looks like:

On your turn, first you…

Then you…

Finally you…

The turn passes when…

Sort your theme ideas from Part 1:

Kind	Which mechanics or theme ideas?	Why?
Keep
Change
Cut

Put it together in one sentence: Our game is a game about [theme] where players [core mechanic].

Part 3: Brainstorm Mechanics

Mechanics are HOW the game works: how players move, act, and win. Brainstorm possibilities that fit the core you chose in Part 2.

In our game, what are players trying to do each turn? Brainstorm at least three possibilities.

Kind	What could this look like in our game?	Which Gibson Ek idea does it connect to?
Movement (how players travel the board)
Actions (what a player does on their turn)
Chance (dice, shuffling, drawing)
Resources (what players collect or spend)
Cards (what cards do and when)
Competition or cooperation

All done?

Save it as a PDF copy on your laptop to share with your group.