We’ve nailed down balance, but even the most finely tuned system falls flat if players don’t understand how to play. That’s where rule clarity comes in.
Rule clarity is about explaining mechanics simply so players can pick them up fast without feeling overwhelmed. If they’re confused, they’ll drop out. If they “get it” quickly, they’ll stick around.
Tips for clear rules:
➡️ Teach by doing – let the first level introduce mechanics naturally.
➡️ Keep it simple – One idea at a time, no info overload.
➡️ Use consistent language & visuals – players should instantly know what’s interactable.
➡️ Layer complexity – start simple, add depth over time.
➡️ Show, don’t tell – tutorials should feel like play, not chores.
Here’s the prompt:
"Act as a professional game systems designer. Help me design the rules and core mechanics for a new [type of game: board game, card game, RPG, or video game]. Your job is to transform my initial concept into a playable framework. Specifically, guide me through:
1. The main objectives and win/lose conditions – What’s the ultimate goal, and how do players succeed or fail?
2, The core gameplay loop – Outline what players will repeatedly do (e.g., explore, gather, fight, trade, solve puzzles).
3. Character or player progression systems – Design ways for players to grow stronger (skills, levels, abilities, upgrades, equipment). And provide different progression tracks to maintain player choice and variety.
4. Balancing mechanics – How to keep difficulty fair, engaging, and replayable.
5. Rule clarity – Tips for explaining mechanics simply so players can pick them up fast.
6. Prototype ruleset – End with a concise bullet-point version of the rules that I can immediately test.
Make sure your response blends professional structure (clear rules, balance considerations) with creative sparks (unexpected twists, thematic elements, unique mechanics) so the game feels both playable and original."