Alexia Mandeville

Published in Bootcamp

·Pinned

How to Design a Game

In order to create value for the player, designers need to ask themselves the right questions at the right time. There are a lot of different systems, content, and interfaces to design depending on the genre and mechanics of the game you aspire to make. There’s no single way to…

Game Design

6 min read

3 days ago

Why I Take Pictures of Bathrooms

In 2016, I started documenting the bathrooms I would visit. It was a way to share experiences and connect with friends. Follow @toiletsinreview on Instagram. Bathrooms say a lot about an establishment. They give you a clear indicator of how in-depth the designer is thinking about the experience they are…

Travel

3 min read

3 days ago

How to Create a Monetization Strategy for Your Game

Want to build a game business or just finance your creative lifestyle? Here’s a high-level look at developing your monetization strategy. Figuring Out Your Strategy You might already have a game you want to make in mind, or maybe you’re still figuring out what you want to do. …

Game Design

4 min read

How to Create a Monetization Strategy for Your Game

Published in Bootcamp

·Jun 2

How to Design Puzzle Games

Good puzzles make players feel smart and teach problem solving, but it can be challenge to make them understandable and solvable. In this article I outline one of the VR puzzle adventures, Area 52, I designed in Facebook Horizon and the process I used to create it. Start with a Theme or Mechanic It’s completely valid…

Game Design

5 min read

Published in AR/VR Journey: Augmented & Virtual Reality Magazine

·Apr 19

Designing AR/VR Games: 6 Tips from a Game Designer

Designing games in AR and VR is similar to designing any other game, the key differences being scope, user interaction, and space. Here are my top 6 tips for designing game for AR/VR: Be Realistic About Scope This isn’t a super fun tip to hear, but it is a reality that impacts most parts…

Game Design

4 min read

Published in Bootcamp

·Apr 6

Acing the Design Interview

I’ve interviewed candidates at startups, Facebook, and Niantic. Here’s what I look for in designers: Many people who I’ve interviewed may have been great, but didn’t offer examples, explain their contributions, or show their process. Explain how you contributed Own what you’ve done. I hear a lot of people say “we” but an interviewer…

Design

2 min read

Mar 24

Game Design Breakdown: A Short Hike

A cozy game that respects player’s time, encourages exploration, and reminds me of Banjo Kazooie. A Short Hike is a game about hiking to the top of a mountain. On your way, you meet other creatures and people on the island who ask you to do things for them as…

Games

3 min read

Feb 19

The Game Design Resource Guide

I rounded up a list of references for some of the most useful resources when designing games. This includes game design references, books on Game Design, game engines to use, and some general inspiration. If you see something missing, let me know and I’ll add it! Design Resources Bartle Taxonomy MDA Framework…

Games

4 min read

Feb 6

10 Cozy Games and Pajamas to Wear While Playing Them

Ten games and pajama combos to help combat the Sunday scaries. I’ve been playing a lot of cozy games, most recently A Short Hike. It was casual play at around 2 hours, is low-pressure and positive vibes in the narrative tone, and has a concrete ending where I no longer…

Games

4 min read

Published in Bootcamp

·Feb 3

Game Design Breakdown: Slime Rancher

Ranching slimes can be a low-pressure, relaxing experience. While I was back at home for Christmas a few years back, my then 12-year-old sister and I were consumed by the fantasy of Slime Rancher. We sat there for days straight, 8 hours at a time, exploring the Far, Far Range…

Games

4 min read