Designer Diary: Flip Pick Towers
By Adam Porter
The board gaming community has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding crowdfunded, print-and-play, roll-and-write games, particularly after the success of Voyages. This trend inspired many designers to explore similar concepts, including a collaboration initiated in early 2022 between Adam Porter and a talented illustrator and graphic designer. This partnership led to the creation of a unique flip-and-write game that utilizes a standard deck of playing cards, giving rise to Flip Pick Towers.
Key Features
- Innovative Gameplay: Players engage in a flip-and-write format where they flip cards, choose one, and construct towers based on the values and suits of the cards.
- Aesthetic Development: The game starts with a relatively plain player sheet, which becomes increasingly ornate as players add their drawings and decorations throughout the game.
- Minimal Components: Designed to be played with just a deck of cards and a sheet of paper, making it accessible and easy to set up.
- Virtual Playability: The game can accommodate any number of players, making it an excellent choice for both in-person and online play.
- Dynamic Scoring: Featuring a variety of objectives for scoring, players can choose different paths to victory, enhancing replayability.
- Welsh Mythology Influence: The game incorporates elements from Welsh culture, such as character names and themes, enriching the narrative experience.
- Interaction Variants: While primarily a solo experience, the game also includes competitive elements where players can influence each other’s tower-building efforts.
The inspiration for Flip Pick Towers stemmed from previous collaborations and ideas that had never materialized. The initial concept evolved from a trick-taking game called Trick Pick Totem, where players stacked cards to build totem poles. This foundational mechanism influenced the design of the new game, allowing players to build upward with descending card values while incorporating unique scoring opportunities through special cards.
The development process included the decision to abandon the traditional deck in favor of a custom card set, which allowed for more thematic depth and strategic gameplay. Each royal card now had specific scoring objectives, making each game session feel unique and engaging. Players could enjoy a solitary experience with variable objectives, adding layers of challenge and strategy.
As the game evolved, the inclusion of Welsh references added a personal touch for both designers, who have deep roots in Welsh culture. Characters and elements were named after figures from Welsh mythology, enhancing the game’s narrative and thematic richness.
Throughout the collaboration with Osprey Games, the final stages of development focused on refining gameplay mechanics and ensuring accessibility for all players. With the art and design coming together beautifully, Flip Pick Towers is set to become a beloved addition to the board game community.
Ultimately, Flip Pick Towers represents not only a culmination of creative collaboration but also a heartfelt tribute to the cultural influences that shaped its development. As Adam Porter and Rob Fisher prepare to share this game with the world, they hope players will embrace the whimsical journey of building their towers and enjoy the unique experience that Flip Pick Towers offers.
Via BoardGameGeek Blog
