Slides from the game economy workshop held at TAG Research Center in Montreal.
Using Clash of Clans as an example, participants learned basic game economy concepts and techniques to create their own simulations in Excel.
2. GAME DESIGNER
▪8 years in the industry (+ Mobile)
▪Published 20+ games
▪Balanced 10+ games
▪First Workshop!
@maricroft
http://www.maricroft.com/
3. GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP
Learn basic economy concepts
Showcase tools and tricks to create a simulation
Talk about basic excel formulas
(no coding required)
Answer the question: Where should I start?
4. Economy: The management of the
resources of a community, country,
etc., especially with a view to its
productivity.
http://www.dictionary.com/
5. Simulation is the imitation of the
operation of a real-world process
or system over time.
Jerry Banks
6. WHY SIMULATE YOUR ECONOMY?
Game
Duration
Content
Planning
Easier to
Tweak
Variable
Definition
10. MY STEPS TO CREATE A SIMULATION
1. Create Core Loop
2. List Player Actions
3. List Resources
4. List and Adjust Sinks and Sources
5. Create Simulation Structure
6. Define Variables
7. Balance Systems
12. LIST PLAYER ACTIONS (VERBS NOT NOUNS)
▪Build Structures
▪Train Troops
▪Battle Opponents
▪Collect Resources
▪Complete Achievements
▪…
13. LIST RESOURCES (NOUNS NOT VERBS)
▪Ranking
▪XP
▪Builders…
Currencies
(values increase and decrease)
▪Elixir (Soft Currency)
▪Coins (Soft Currency)
▪Gems (Hard Currency)
▪Time
Unlocks
(values serve as gating)
Time
(universal currency)
14. LIST SOURCES & SINKS
Small Exercise:
Based on the created core
loop, add a +1 for when
each resource increases
(source).
Add a -1 for when each
resource decreases (Sink).
15. CREATE SIMULATION STRUCTURE
Varies from game to game:
SIMULATION TAB
SINKS AND SOURCES
+ GAME SYSTEMS
STRUCTURES
TROOPS
XP CURVE
IAP
…
18. RECAP: STEPS TO CREATE A SIMULATION
1. Create Core Loop
2. List Player Actions
3. List Resources
4. List and Adjust Sinks and Sources
5. Create Simulation Structure
6. Define Variables
7. Balance Systems