That’s me almost certainly played and reviewed all the games I’ll manage this competition. I got through 20. I had a few more that I was considering playing, but have now ruled out for various reasons. I also know that I won’t have time next week.
Thank you to all the authors who entered this year. Again I’m wowed by your creativity. Every single game that I play gives me ideas as an author. I especially love the games that give me new perspectives on issues, or challenge my expectations.
If I was to pick up on specific points I’d say make your stories strong and grab the reader from the word go. Put a deliberate emphasis on interactivity. And make your pieces user friendly, including hints and walkthroughs where appropriate. Try to make your games accessible to all comers, including on visual grounds. Another point that’s really important for me is adequate playtesting. I’ve been delighted this year to see so many games have had impressive numbers of playtesters. Oh and think enough about the ending. Is there any after game text that might be nice for the player to read then? What about your thoughts on writing it. Don’t let your game end too abruptly.
Anyway thank you so much to all of you! I will now have to go ponder my ribbons 