Board Game: Good or Bad for Portfolios?

TimEdwards · 05-03-2008, 09:10 PM

Hey everyone, looking mostly to senior staff or random industry experts (Marc, James or anyone, Please!!!) but if I design a board game that can easily be adapted to a single or multiplayer electronic game... do you think a final concept of the board game would be totally awesome to have in a portfolio, or would that be wasting my time?

Well it's really not a waste of my time because I've got some friends who think it's interesting (as do I) and fun to play, but I mean I'd have to clean it up and document it all for a portfolio. Let me know and hope to hear back from someone... and or anyone!

Sincerest thanks in advance,
Tim Edwards

yaustar · 05-04-2008, 06:03 AM

http://www.gamecareerguide.com/featu...is_.php?page=2

Personally, for a games designer portfolio I think it be great. Definitely something to show to an interviewer.

jshockley · 05-04-2008, 10:36 AM

The only way it would hurt you is if the game sucks, I got a board game in my portfolio, plus some guy got picked up by sony who had a board game in his, so I don't see it as a bad thing. They just want to know if you know game theory, and how you work.

ronnoc10 · 05-04-2008, 05:05 PM

A good board game would be very good for a portfolio. Just make sure it's/they are good.

TimEdwards · 05-04-2008, 08:44 PM

So if I have a working prototype, would I take that to an interview? Although how would I display that for a portfolio when just applying for the job? That has been the hardest part thus far.

Thanks for the help guys!

Tim Edwards

jillduffy · 05-05-2008, 04:30 AM

It was totally a coincidence -- but a fortunate one! -- that you asked about board games over the weekend:
http://gamecareerguide.com/features/..._practice_.php

yaustar · 05-05-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimEdwards

So if I have a working prototype, would I take that to an interview?

If it is polished and playable then yes.

Quote:

Although how would I display that for a portfolio when just applying for the job? That has been the hardest part thus far.

A couple of photographs, game rules and a commentary on a small example of play.

james.portnow · 05-07-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimEdwards

Hey everyone, looking mostly to senior staff or random industry experts (Marc, James or anyone, Please!!!) but if I design a board game that can easily be adapted to a single or multiplayer electronic game... do you think a final concept of the board game would be totally awesome to have in a portfolio, or would that be wasting my time?

Well it's really not a waste of my time because I've got some friends who think it's interesting (as do I) and fun to play, but I mean I'd have to clean it up and document it all for a portfolio. Let me know and hope to hear back from someone... and or anyone!

Sincerest thanks in advance,
Tim Edwards

Get your board game published, preferably with your name on it. That will be relevant to recruiters.

TimEdwards · 05-09-2008, 09:29 PM

Hey James,

I've thought about getting it published... but where? And how? I've looked around and it seems like you still, even for board games need that know in. i thought it would be like submitting a sample chapter or something for being published, but still I can't find a company that seeks submissions. If you've got advice, I'm all ears!

Thanks again!
Tim Edwards

Crowskie · 05-10-2008, 01:33 AM

Have you tried to self publish? Like, put in the effort to create several copies and try to sell them at local game stores. Actually, if you live near a city, find a game store that rents tables, and set up a game during a tournament of some sort. That is how my ex-brother-in-law use to find people to play obscure-yet fun games with him.