King Me - A Defense of King-Making in Board Game Design
Explore a defense of king-making in competitive multiplayer board game design through Cole Wehrle's 2019 GDC Board Game Design Day talk. Delve into the concept of player disruption and its impact on gameplay dynamics. Examine historical examples, game theory, and design philosophies that challenge conventional wisdom about fair play. Discover how embracing king-making can enhance storytelling, risk-taking, and player agency in board games. Analyze case studies from popular titles and learn how to implement these principles in game development. Gain insights into balancing player interactions, victory conditions, and consent in multiplayer experiences. Question traditional notions of "playing to win" and explore alternative approaches to creating engaging and memorable gameplay moments.