Tom Smith

Game designer interested in education. Currently at Roblox (opinions are mine, not theirs). Buy my book! Anatomy of Game Design

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

What is the optimal number of quests to have at one time? #gamedev #gamedesign #bss #roblox

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

Bee Swarm Simulator is a great example of what makes many top Roblox games work - simple, well-honed gameplay with a fun, quirky style that feels like an actual human made it. #gamedev #gamedesign #bss #roblox

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

To a cat, there’s no difference between interior design and level design. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

@Me99WXF @Roam85Gaming @GailSimone I don’t see any spiders there. Proves the point that Kraven would make no sense against a spider hero.

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

My book is out! With its amazing cover by my former student, Victoria Marble! https://t.co/sqUIwKNUMa #gamedev #gamedesign

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

I’d love to hear what you think of my book! Especially in the form of an Amazon review! https://t.co/sqUIwKNUMa #gamedev #gamedesign

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

A good game designer develops a toolbox of tricks that work. Combinations of rules and content design that create the desired response in players. The toolbox is full of dynamics. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

My book is on sale! It introduces the big concepts in game design using real games you might know. Buy it now: https://t.co/sqUIwKNUMa #gamedev #gamedesign

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

Given how closely gameplay and level geometry are tied in platformers, I’m always extra-amazed by dynamic platformers like Spelunky that let the player have any power at any time. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot #spelunky

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

My book goes on sale tomorrow! Teaching a college class on games has been inspirational and educational for me, and many of the key ideas and approaches in the book come from what I’ve learned from teaching! https://t.co/sqUIwKNUMa #gamedev #gamedesign

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

AstroBot had a tough challenge in balancing its challenge. Trying to appeal to older gamers brings a mix of skill-loving experts and also lazy old men like me who used to be good but have let their skills deteriorate. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

I worked on a lot of 3d platformers when I worked at High Voltage Software, mostly in the PS2 era. I designed all the Numbah 3 levels for Kids Next Door, which focused on the non-combat aspects of that game. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

I use the term ‘verb’ broadly to include anything the player does, even if it’s a purely internal mental activity. I use ‘core verbs’ to discuss the actions the player actually performs in the game, often by pressing a button. #gamedev #gamedesign #astrobot

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

My book comes out this week! If you like thinking about games, you just might like my book! https://t.co/sqUIwKNUMa #gamedev #gamedesign

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

My editorial board endorses Kamala Harris for president.

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

I wonder how many times the term “body horror” has come up in discussions at the gaming division at Hasbro. Do they admit this in big business meetings, or just talk about it quietly at their desks? #gamedev #gamedesign #operationgame

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

@GailSimone Bill the Pony

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

Progression is outside of the core game loop. You can have a game without progression, it’s just a lot harder to retain players in that case. #gamedev #gamedesign #operationgame

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

All games need some uncertainty. That can come from physical skill, but can also come from randomness, mental skill, predicting the actions of other players, or a few other places. #gamedev #gamedesign #operationgame

[Tom Smith @mrtomsmith]

For casual games, it’s important to make the goals of the game very clear. If it takes more than a few words to explain, it’s too much. If you can guess the goal by looking at the game, even better. #gamedev #gamedesign #operationgame