Concepts Mechanics Number

Concepts > mechanics > numbers

Start with basic concepts of what you want the game to be about.
Mechanics then describe these concepts in a way that they can actually be used and interacted with.
The numbers are the specific, fine details of exactly how the mechanics work.

Most major problems happen at the conceptual level, or mechanics that don't work towards that concept, or not having a concept really at all. The numbers are basically the last thing you worry about, basic placeholders are fine, don't try to balance your game first pass, just get the concepts down solid and try to build basic mechanics that enact those concepts.

Kavoir suggested we try to show this in practice and... well, we decided to make up a stupid game on the spot, and it actually didn't come out too bad as an idea. Go figure.

Game about a podcast! Why? To gather together conspiracy theorists to form a cult!