Introduction to Drafting Based Games
Drafting based games are a type of card game or board game where players select cards or pieces from a shared pool of options. This is often referred to as “drafting” or “pack drafting”. Drafting based games can be highly strategic and competitive, as players must make decisions about which cards or pieces to select in order to build their deck or army. There are many benefits to playing drafting based games, including the ability to customize and create unique decks or strategies, the challenge of building a winning deck, and the thrill of competing against other players.
Pillar #1: Mechanics
The first pillar of drafting based games is the mechanics. There are several different mechanics that can be used in drafting based games, such as blind drafting, open drafting, and booster drafts. Blind drafting involves players selecting cards or pieces without the knowledge of what their opponents are selecting. Open drafting involves players selecting from a shared pool of cards or pieces that are visible to all players. Booster drafts involve players selecting from a set of randomly generated packs of cards or pieces.
Examples of games with different drafting mechanics include Magic: The Gathering (booster drafts), Star Realms (blind drafting), and Arkham Horror (open drafting).
Pillar #2: Variety
The second pillar of drafting based games is variety. A drafting game should have a variety of cards or pieces that allow players to build different decks or strategies. This can include cards or pieces with different abilities or effects, different costs, different strengths and weaknesses, and different combinations of cards or pieces. Variety also allows players to draft in different ways, such as focusing on a specific strategy or playing a “best of three” draft.
Pillar #3: Balance
The third pillar of drafting based games is balance. Achieving balance in drafting games can be a difficult task, as there must be enough variety to allow for different strategies and decks, but not so much variety that one strategy or deck is too powerful. Balance is achieved by ensuring that all cards or pieces are viable options, and that no single card or piece is too powerful.
Pillar #4: Luck
The fourth pillar of drafting based games is luck. Randomness can be an important part of drafting games, as it adds an element of unpredictability and excitement. Randomness can be incorporated in the form of randomized packs, random card or piece effects, or even random draws from a deck.
Examples of random elements in drafting games include randomized card effects in Magic: The Gathering, random draws from a deck in Star Realms, and random events in Arkham Horror.
Pillar #5: Player Interaction
The fifth pillar of drafting based games is player interaction. Drafting games should be designed to create interaction between players by allowing them to compete against one another, trade cards or pieces, or discuss strategies and decks. Player interaction can also be created by allowing players to draft simultaneously, rather than taking turns.
Examples of player interaction in drafting games include trading cards in Magic: The Gathering, discussing strategies in Star Realms, and negotiating trades in Arkham Horror.
Pillar #6: Replicability
The sixth pillar of drafting based games is replicability. A game should be designed in such a way that it can be replayed multiple times with different players and different decks or armies. This can be achieved by having a variety of cards or pieces, as well as a variety of strategies and decks.
Pillar #7: Fun
The seventh and final pillar of drafting based games is fun. A drafting game should be enjoyable to play and should provide a challenge to the players. This can be achieved by creating interesting mechanics, interesting cards or pieces, and interesting strategies.
Examples of games with high fun factor include Magic: The Gathering, Star Realms, and Arkham Horror.
Conclusion
Drafting based games are a type of card game or board game that involve players selecting cards or pieces from a shared pool of options. The 7 pillars of drafting based games are mechanics, variety, balance, luck, player interaction, replayability, and fun. A successful PC Game Development drafting game should incorporate all 7 pillars in order to create an enjoyable and challenging experience for players.
