Keeping things simple is always a good idea. All the other players and GMs need to be able to verify and understand the research outcomes. After several turns what does it look like for teams that focused on research, ignored research, or did a bit of research?īecause technology can be used to change the game rules, you also need to consider how this change is reflected in game state information. You definitely want a playtest of the system. This suggests you need to calculate the resource fountain or flow dedicated to research, against the cost of the options. If you make the tech tree too big, teams will never complete the end of the tree, and this may disappoint the players. You will only be able to process a finite number of game turns. Its a way of adding complexity to the game as the players master the core rules of the game, by adding new capabilities to the game mix. Technology developments can be great rewards and motivators.

How much control do the players have over the research effort?.

Can steps on the tech tree be skipped? If players do screw up, is there a catch up mechanic?.

Is the research order known to the players? If its known it can be a spoiler, if it is not known the uncertainty will change player strategies.

Is the research order set? How much choice do you want to give the players – this can be crucial if there is a system mastery challenge where some options are better than others.

Some of the design questions you need to consider in building a tech tree include: Tech trees have always been a staple of RTS games, but they go back further, to the old Civilization boardgame (1980), if not earlier. I am also keen to move away from people holding large piles of cards for trading – I want trade negotiations to focus on a contract like piece of paper where people haggle over the split of profits. Ideally I want every team to have the chance to put Colossi on the table in time for them to make a difference. Last time the research game was “go fish” in the card deck, followed by “collect a set” trading, and for some of the teams, eventually building a colossi or two. One goal for the redesign is to have a better tech tree. I have had a stimulating couple of weeks working on some ideas for Colossus of Atlantis II.

Warcraft 2 tech tree