Mission.
We strive to create memorable, fun, and beautiful games. We aim to create value for our customers, fans, and the broader board gaming and game design communities. We value personally connecting with, and being helpful to our peers and supporters. We believe that games are meant to bring people together, and that the board gaming hobby and industry will be healthier and more fun through increased equity and inclusivity.
Tenets of Game Design.
We’ve settled on eleven tenets of game design to define Pine Island as a company. These aren’t universal truths of game design – they are just the attributes that we believe in, and that we are choosing to focus on.
Game Design Tenets.
Strategic depth & mechanical elegance. Player cognitive load should be spent on strategic decisions, not on understanding complex (sometimes fiddly) mechanics. While mechanical complexity can be appropriate – it must be applied to drive an exciting strategic payoff. In general we prefer to simplify games wherever possible.
Organic start, organic progression, organic end. A progressive game play where pacing is driven by the players rather than strict mechanical progression and rounds.
Reward over punishment. Reward players for good play, rather than punish them for mistakes.
Resonant thematic drive. Strong and memorable thematic elements are relevant mechanically. We don’t believe in stapling on themes, but strive to weave theme through game play.
Ability to plan ahead. Decisions matter from turn to turn and players should have the ability to plan ahead. Of course, the best laid plans of squirrels and gamers…
Balancing luck and skill. Our favorite games balance skill and luck. While tight strategic game play improves a player’s chance of winning, elements of luck add drama, excitement, and an opportunity for players of all levels to enjoy a game together. We prefer randomness of inputs, rather than as a mechanic for resolution.
Replayability. Replayability through both interesting, dynamic, game play, and through variable mechanics. No two games are alike.
Tactile and visual. Board games are tactile and visual experiences. We value strong physical and visual design to engage players, draw them into the game, and improve ease of play.
Screw the man, not the players. While we value player interaction and conflict in our designs, we also try to minimize feel bad and “gotcha” moments. We avoid mechanics that screw over individual players, create ganging up, or king-making dynamics.
Bringing people together. Games are a conduit for bringing people together, both through exciting game play and community.
Main course or dessert. Pine Island’s initial focus is on medium weight games in the 30-60 minute range. These games can bring people together as events (a night of Nut Hunt), or be a side dish for a social gathering (a game after dinner). In the future we expect to expand our menu of games to include more “main dishes”, or event games in the 60-120 minute range.
Get in touch.
jasper@pineislandgames.com