Games Project

Cornerstone of Engineering I, Northeastern University

Relevant Skills: AutoCAD, laser cutting

Objective

Develop and produce a unique board game capable of being played both remotely and in person

Variables / Constraints

The game needed to function properly if the players were all virtual, all in person, or a mix between the two. Knowledge of AutoCAD and Arduino needed to be demonstrated in the project. The timeline was approximately 3 months.

Design Process

[1] My team and I began by researching existing board games, game mechanics, and mediums that games are played. We decided to make a game loosely inspired by Ticket to Ride due to its complex rules and potential for virtual play. I designed the game logo using AutoCAD.

Simple game logo design

[2] I assisted in writing the rules and the Arduino code for distributing virtual "cards," but my main task was making laser cutting templates for game pieces and several "build challenges" - small structures players had to build throughout the game.

"Ticket booth" assembly to house Arduino system

6 part bridge challenge build

Example of game piece

4 part tunnel challenge build

Solution

The final game, "Empire Express," underwent rigorous gameplay tests, ensuring that it was playable virtually and in person. The result was a complex game that is fun to play and easy to understand due to the instructions.