How I created a board game using AI?

I created a board game for a present.

While playing, a friend asked me if I used AI to make it.

Well, yes, of course. I've been using it almost everywhere for the last 1.5 years.

But not in the way most people imagine it: "AI, make a game."

AI is my assistant.

I control the direction and development of the game.

AI helps me brainstorm, write copy, offer alternative routes, give feedback, and expand on my ideas.

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?? Come up with a theme

You don't need AI help here. I built a business game in which players create a company and compete for talent, investments, and resources.

?? Set game mechanics

If you're new to board games and don't know how they are structured, ask ChatGPT: "What types of board games exist, and how do their game mechanics work?" Pick one and dig deeper by asking for more details. My game is deck-building with cards.

?? Combine your theme and mechanics

You can offer your vision or ask ChatGPT to create its own narrative. Refine it in a brainstorming chat, asking for improvements and offering more ideas to incorporate.

?? Start building the card deck

Language models are great for writing copy. The strength of a board game lies in engaging gameplay combined with a storyline and graphics. Create a few types of characters, events, or other cards with their actions, interactions, and impact on scores. Ask AI for feedback on the copy, possible improvements, and additional resources.

?? Build an Excel sheet for the game

You need an overview of the game mechanics so all the cards' copy, design, interactions, actions, and scores go into an Excel sheet. My game has action cards that build the game-scoring machine, event cards that help fire the machine, and influence cards like interest rate growth or bull market that affect all players equally. It's a nice Excel sheet of 99 x 9.

?? Get balance into the game

Ask ChatGPT to give you a framework for making your type of board game equal for players. Focus on power levels and cost vs benefit, and consider various strategies players can use to win. In the game I built, it's possible to win by building a robust financial machine, efficient production, or great marketing. However, it would be best to balance getting support from HR and legal. Focusing too heavily on a single strategy will make it easy for opponents to counter your progress. At the same time, a too broad plan will slow your progress.

?? Playtest

Print or draw the raw concept to play it in real life. This is a crucial step that will be repeated many times. AI doesn't really help here. Having made and played a few games, I can playtest a lot in my head while staring at my Excel sheet. If board game creation were my day job, I would create AI bots to play and observe.

?? Design

Paint and colour with your favourite tools. AI can help by adding visual consistency to all the characters. Try to maintain a consistent style by using detailed prompts. I used Canva, starting with bulk creation and feeding in the Excel sheet I created. My graphics come from photos of friends and family.

?? Print

Use a professional printing service. If you are crafty or artsy, consider drawing or carving out custom play pieces to support the theme.

?? Enjoy

A one-of-a-kind board game makes a great present. You can easily theme it to the recipient's interests and hobbies.