Thematic Integration in Board Game Design

Theme is often described as the ＂why＂ of a game. Themes help with rules comprehension by giving reasons for the mechanics. Themes can help set players’ expectations for what kind of experiences or emotions the game provides. Themes can also help to create the experience and provide atmosphere to the gameplay.

Thematic Integration in Board Game Design examines the design and integration of theme from the standpoints of technical structure, narrative building, and the design process. This book presents multiple approaches to designing theme as well as developing and replacing themes in existing projects.

The focus is on developing the design skill of mechanical integration of theme rather than developing creative writing skills. Multiple guides and exercises are included that designers can reference at various points in the design process.

Key Features:

• Fills a void in board game design theory by discussing theory-craft relating to theme in board game design
• Presents practical theory for working designers or students
• Focuses on developing the design skill of mechanical integration of theme rather than developing creative writing skills

Sarah Shipp is a freelance theatre technician, board game designer, and blogger. She designed Deadly Dowagers and (upcoming) Monsters Love Vegas!. Her blog, ShippBoard Games, has received recognition as the best board game design blog of 2022 by Cardboard Edison. In 2021, she presented a talk at the virtual Game Developers Conference on Thematic Resonance. She has also presented at Metatopia Online and Nonepub. In 2023, she became a regular segment contributor to the podcast Ludology. Sarah has an MFA in design and technical production for theatre. She lives in North Texas with her husband, dog, and several dozen mason bees.