I recently spoke at IndieCade 2014 for GameU, a series of talks “for folks interested in learning about the game development process, how to start developing on their own, and what making a game is about.” They asked for a beginner’s guide to combat design, and a couple of sleepless nights later, I managed to pull something together.
Combat Design & Layering Details aims to be an introduction into the patterns and methodologies that designers use to create satisfying and functional combat. After a brief note on what drew me into the design field, I try to make sense of all the tiny details that come together to create a simple player attack. The whole thing is a bit of an Ode to the Nitty and Gritty.
I tried to do as much showing as telling, so the presentation has quite a few videos embedded throughout.