Tabletop Mentorship Stories

Semi-Technical discussion ahead. A few people that have seen the game have suggested I try to simulate lots of play tests to make sure nothing breaks in the game. I'd heard about Monte Carlo simulations, but did not know how to make one. Searching online for examples didn't show me much in the way of examples either. So, I decided to brute force it using Excel and macros. I think it turned out pretty well, and wanted to share it with everyone in case others can use it too. Below is a description of how the tool works: 1st, a quick description of the game I'm modeling. Abstractly, it's a card shedding game, like Crazy 8's, or Uno. A game ends when one player plays the last card in their hand.  Cards can be identified by a color (Coded SF, R, H, M as the first character(s) in the description) or a suite (Coded S, C, M, A as the next characters in the description), and finally a number. An example of one of my cards is coded SFC3, or RM2. There are also starting cards ...

  I have never made a game before.  I have written a great deal. I have edited videos. I have blogged . I have designed robots . Lots of robots . I have a family, two cats, and a willingness to try almost any food that's ever been put in front of me.  But, I've never made a game before. I discovered modern games at a relatively late age. Growing up, we had Monopoly, Clue, Risk, Mouse trap, and half a dozen puzzles, but that was about it. It was not until my mid-twenties that I cut my teeth on Settlers, Ninja Burger, and discovered Board Game Geek. I've since become hooked, and have a running list of games that I want to get and play.  Current game closet. Unfortunately, my family does not enjoy games as much as I do, so many remain in shrinkwrap for now.  I think this is the natural progression of that enjoyment. Now that I've had a chance to enjoy so many creations, I want to add to the pool with something of my own. That does not mean I'm not intimidated. It's...