Analog Game Design:

Making Passionate Products for Passionate People

Instructor: Ivan Van Norman

Max: 15 Students

Date: September 13, 2025 / 2-8pm (including a 20 min. break)

(Please arrive 20 minutes early. Parking is ample and easy. )

Instructor Bio:

Ivan Van Norman has been publishing tabletop games for over 15+ and has been working in the digital interactive media space for just as long. He’s worked with properties such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pixar’s Onward, and Legendary’s Altered Carbon and has built games for companies such as Geek & Sundry, Critical Role, IDW, and Skydance Entertainment. He is also responsible for over 25+ games published in his career including titles such as Alice is Missing, Kids on Bikes, Queen by Midnight, and Daggerheart.

Workshop Description + Objective

People have been creating games as long as civilization has existed. Finding new ways to delight and entertain people in an interactive format that is constantly re-inventing itself while exploring new mediums such as board games, video games, mobile games even events.

In this one-day workshop, students will learn and/or reinforce the concepts of game design and develop a prototype of a tabletop game using tokens, dice, cards, and other materials provided.

THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:

I. INTRO - 10 minutes

A presentation by Ivan on his career history and working methods.

2. REIMAGINING GAMES - 30 minutes

Yahtzee vs Farkle vs Dragon Farkle vs A Deck of Cards.

This presentation/discussion is about how games have evolved over the years and the simple changes that can turn a good game into a ‘great’ game. Using the basic model of the game Yahtzee, we dive into core elements such as structure, game loops, agency and balancing. Looking at each of these 3 games, the students then enter a discussion around their prior experiences with games. Ivan then leads exercises that reinforce this part of the discussion.

3. PLAYSTORMING - 60 minutes

Students will break into small groups and use provided materials to begin ‘playstorming’ game concepts. Playstorming is where designers brainstorm concepts while seeing how components interact with each other to create an experience. Ivan will spend time working and fostering creative development for each group to create a prototype.

4. DISCUSSION - 30 minutes

We’ll take the time for each group to give their ‘elevator pitch’ for their game. Groups will discuss what their ‘core game loop’ is and talk about any insights they may have had alongside full-class initial reactions to the game design.

5. RULEBOOK CRAFTING - 60 minutes

Ivan will discuss the dynamics and primary considerations of developing a rulebook. He will guide the individual groups as they create their own.

30 MINUTE BREAK:

6. DISCUSSION: PRICE OF PLAY SHOWCASE - 30 minutes

Ivan will present on the commercial production of games and how they go beyond the prototype stage. Elements of production are essential when crafting games to ensure the students deliver a delightful final product to customers. We shall discuss concepts like core audience, weight, pricing, and box size.

7. PLAYTESTING - 60-90 minutes

One person from each group will ‘facilitate’ a playtest with the other groups. Everyone will take the time to play each other's games and provide feedback and notes.

8. PRICING - 30 minutes

The final part of the workshop would be to break down your games components, and consider any additional elements that may come into play when realizing their final design. This includes any additional development.

MATERIALS

The cost of the workshop covers tokens, blank cards, blank playing baords, dice, cardboard, etc.

Students will be able to leave the workshop with the rules to their game, any modified game elements that may have been used from class materials and any other notes they may need to take the game further.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you need to cancel, please do so at least 3 days before the workshop. No refunds shorter than 3 days before class. If you cancel within a week, you are entitled to a full refund minus $25.