Simulation as a game design tool

Abstract

In this paper we suggest using gameplay simulations on a logical event level as a design tool already in the early stages of the development process. The approach is centred on abstracting all unnecessary details of the gameplay to produce a highly simplified model of the game system. Compared to other kinds of intermediate design representations, such as sketches and prototypes, the simulations can reveal problems and opportunities in the longer term dynamics of possible gameplay. As an example we describe an implementation of a simulation model for the game Tower Bloxx using a simulation software package called DisCo.