The Rule book Is Not a Novel: The Importance of Clear Communication in Board Games
I can’t be the only person who's approached that newest board game at the table with both a sense of excitement and dread. That dread typically centers around one crucial and often most neglected element in the box: the rule book. We’ve all been there, slogging our way through a jungle of dense text, ambiguous phrasing, and diagrams that at times don’t seem they belong to the same game you have in front of you.
At Next Big Thing Publishing, one of our core tenets is that the rule book should be your key to enjoyment, not frustration in and of itself. A well-crafted rule book is a love letter to your players, and it shows the passion that you have for your creation. If I’m inviting them into the world and mechanics I’ve painstakingly created, I had better show that I’m as excited about it as they SHOULD be. The rule book in general should be clear, concise, and, dare we say, even a little enjoyable to read.
The Pitfalls of a Poorly Written Rule book
A rule book that reads like a fantasy novel may sound interesting in theory, but in practice, it will only lead to frustration. Confusion about the core mechanics can kill the momentum of a game night faster than you can say “analysis paralysis.” Vague wording leads players to misinterpret rules, leading to an unfair or unintended game experience. Worse still, a poorly written rule book can be so off-putting that the game never even makes it to the table (or only makes it to the table once).
Our Philosophy: Clarity Above All
When we work on developing a game like JAILBREAK! The rule book for the Board Game is as integral to the entire design process as the game mechanics we choose to implement. Our goal is simple: clarity above all else. We strive to create rule books that are:
Organized: Information should be presented logically, with included headings and subheadings, and depending on the size of the rule book, a table of contents that makes it easy to find specific rules.
Concise: Every word should serve a purpose. We aim to avoid unnecessary jargon or long-winded explanations.
Visual: Diagrams, illustrations, and other visual aids are some of the most critical tools for demonstrating gameplay concepts and the correct way to set up the game.
Accessible: The wording should be straightforward to understand for your players at all experience levels.
Tips for Navigating (and Maybe Even Enjoying) a Rule book:
While we’re working to create as clear a set of rules as possible for our games, here are a few tips for working your way through any game manual:
Skim First: Before diving deep, you’d be able to get a general overview of the game’s goal, components, and primary phases.
Focus on Setup: Understanding how to set up the game properly is crucial for playing correctly. Pay close attention to diagrams.
Learn the Core Actions: Identify the fundamental actions players can take on their turn.
Play a Practice Round (If Possible): Sometimes, the best way to learn is by doing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in a practice game.
Utilize Online Resources: If you’re still confused, check for online rule books, FAQ pages, or “how to play” videos created by the community.
The Rule book: Your Guide, Not Your Gatekeeper
At Next Big Thing Publishing, the rule book should be your trusted guide that eases you into exciting new worlds and gameplay. It should never be the gatekeeper preventing you from having an engaging and joyful experience. We’re committed to crafting rule books that are as thoughtfully designed and engaging as the games they are written for.
What rule book have you found that has the clearest ruleset (or most confusing)? Share your experiences in the comments below!
