Chris Taylor's Common Questions

Master game designer Chris Taylor (of Dungeon Siege fame, among other things) created a game design document template that is among the most thorough I've ever seen.  Much of Team Laser Combat's design document was based on Taylor's template.  Although I have found the template to be a bit unwieldy for TLC, there are some parts that I have found to be particularly useful for capturing some of the subtle details in the game's design.  One such section is Taylor's "Common Questions".  Here are Team Laser Combat's answers.


What is the game?
A multiplayer “board game” where players recruit teams of laser tag athletes, equip and train them, then guide them through a series of matches against other teams.  At each turn, players order their characters to perform various actions such as move, attack, heal, or draw a combat token which provides characters with the ability to attack or defend.

Why create this game?
To satisfy those players who want a fun and rewarding turn-based strategy experience without the complex rules, intricate resource management, or unforgiving constraints of staged tactical scenarios.  I would like this game to be viewed as a LAN party game, where new players can have an exciting experience right alongside experienced gamers.

Where does the game take place?
In a future where laser tag is a popular professional sport, arenas are popping up everywhere.  Amateurs and enthusiasts practice wherever there’s an open space with sufficient protective obstacles (parking lots, wooded areas, cemeteries, etc.), and professionals play in grand arenas in front of boisterous crowds and television cameras.

What do I control?
As the owner, manager, and coach, you make all of the decisions for your team. You command your soldiers where to move, how to defend themselves, and who, when, and how to attack.

How many characters do I control?
Your team consists of one to ten characters, depending on how you choose to build and configure your team.

What is the main focus?
The main focus of each round is to eliminate all of your opponents’ characters while keeping yours in the game.  The round is over when only one team or alliance remains in play.  The long-term goal of the game is to be the top-ranked team when the game is over.  The criteria used for ranking is selected by a game configuration option.

What’s different?
To answer this question, I will have to perform a competitive analysis, and I’m not sure what existing products to compare it with.  Laser Squad Nemesis?  Dokapon Kingdom?  Perhaps I can compare it to the tabletop board games that inspired it – Epic Duels, Hero Quest, Fireball Island, etc.