The Game Design Circle
Design Worksheet
The Game Design Circle
Side A: Components of Meaning
The Stability Rule
The circle is stable when you can walk in any direction without contradiction. Resonance between nodes indicates a deep, intentional system.Resonance & Stress
Side B: Cross-Circle Logic
Resonance Map
Double-sided resonance indicates cohesion. Systems align pairs to reinforce meaning.
Stability Test
- ↻ Clockwise: Theme drives Fantasy? Verbs drive Loop?
- ↺ Counter: Rules create Tension for intended Emotion?
- ↔ Parallel: Is Tension resolved through Verbs?
"Shift one node. If the system remains static, the connections are weak. Deep systems ripple across the circle."