Final Game - Beta

Kiara Castillo Magallanes
Dec 10, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Dec 18, 2024

Alley Cats

Building on the foundation of the alpha version, the beta iteration of Alley Cats focused on refining gameplay mechanics and enhancing the overall experience for players. One of the major improvements involved making corrections and adjustments to the in-game economy system. This overhaul ensured smoother gameplay and balanced resource management. We also designed a new format for the rulebook, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing, which significantly improved accessibility for new players. The board underwent a redesign, featuring updated layouts and visuals to better reflect the game’s urban setting and improve player navigation. Additionally, we introduced new elements, such as character sheets, to add depth and individuality to the factions, further enhancing the strategic options available to players. Playtesting allowed us to fine-tune these features, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience. The beta version demonstrated the transformative power of iteration and attention to detail, resulting in a polished and engaging game.

Paper:

Analysis of Your Rules

Taking into account our latest version, I still believe that the game is fun and easy to play. We worked hard to ensure that the rules were as clear as possible, aiming to make them understandable for players of any age. Communicating our vision through the rulebook was not a difficult task, as we focused on making the rules concise and straightforward. This effort ensured players could easily grasp the mechanics and enjoy the experience without confusion.

Design Process

During the refinement process, I observed significant growth in myself, my teammates, and the outside playtesters. Playtesting greatly improved the game, helping us identify and resolve issues that were not initially apparent. With each playtest, we sought answers to specific questions, such as whether the gameplay was engaging, if the rules were intuitive, and whether the balance between factions was fair. Within the team, I contributed to the design process by creating most of the visual elements, including the deck of cards, illustrations, rulebook design, board game box, and tokens. The only elements I did not design were the reference cards and character sheets. I also provided ideas for improvements and ensured that the visual elements were cohesive and aligned with our overall vision.

Moving from the Alpha to the Beta

The process of refining our game was relatively easy because, after submitting the alpha version, we already had a clear understanding of the issues and the most efficient ways to address them. The most significant changes we made from alpha to beta included revising the token system and simplifying the gameplay mechanics for the "Bodega Cats" faction, which had initially made the game more complicated. Another important change was the redesign of the board. The new design improved its aesthetics and symmetry, creating a visually appealing and more organized layout compared to the first version. Returning to the game felt more confident and rewarding, especially after conducting my own design tests during Thanksgiving break. I sought feedback from close contacts about the game’s design, asking if there were any issues with distinguishing colors, areas that felt visually unpleasant, or any elements that seemed out of place. These insights informed our adjustments and enhanced the game’s visual appeal.

Game Narrative/Theme

We made a concerted effort to ground players in the rulebook, ensuring that the narrative and mechanics were seamlessly integrated. Our elevator pitch for the game is as follows: "Step into the paws of power in Alley Cats, an action-packed, four-player asymmetric war game where feline factions clash for city supremacy. Choose your side to be a cunning alley schemer, a noble turf defender, or a sly trader forging unexpected alliances. Build your empire, outwit rivals, and claw your way to the top to claim the title of H.C.I.C. (Head Cat in Charge). The city streets are your battlefield strategize, trade, and dominate in this ultimate fight for feline glory!"

Art

Designing the game elements for legibility and accessibility was a meticulous process. All components were created using a consistent method and color palette to maintain visual uniformity and avoid a disconnected design. To address player confusion, I made several changes to enhance clarity and visual appeal. The most significant design flaw in the original board was its uneven structure, with brown paths meant to simulate streets that created a disjointed appearance due to their inconsistent sizes and poor color contrast. I replaced these paths with simple lines connecting each location on the map and changed the board dimensions from rectangular to square, which allowed for a more balanced distribution of the eight city locations. This redesign resulted in a more harmonious and visually pleasing board layout.

Myself

Reflecting on the development of "Alley Cats," I recognize the value of collaborative teamwork, iterative design, and continuous playtesting in creating a compelling board game. Each phase, from alpha to beta, was a learning experience that enhanced both the game and my personal skills. We approached each challenge with creativity and adaptability, ensuring the mechanics, narrative, and visuals aligned with our overarching vision. The integration of player feedback was instrumental in refining the gameplay and ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. Ultimately, "Alley Cats" embodies a blend of strategy, creativity, and fun, offering players a unique and engaging experience. This journey not only improved my design and problem-solving abilities but also underscored the importance of collaboration and feedback in bringing a project to life. I am proud of our accomplishments and confident in the final product, which reflects our dedication and passion for game design.