I just finished playing SPOT on my old Nintendo Entertainment System when it came to me as a good idea to write an article about a key aspect to game making that is quite often over-looked; simple rules.

It is not only important to have simple rules so that it is easy to understand how the game is played, but it also helps make the game more fun. Simple rules is even sometimes over-looked by big companies making the best games out. For example, many real time strategy games have tons of units to command, fourty different kinds of weapons, huge levels, highly intelligent A.I., five levels of weapon upgrades and new features, and whole bunch of stuff that makes the game even more complicated.

Now here's an example of a game that did use simple rules; Halo. Only about ten different weapons, not to many in-game features: just zooming, punching, and turning on the light. Only a few vehicles, not too many stats and counters, and well... you get the idea. Make the game as simple as possible, but not to take anything away from the fun of the game.

The best part about simple rules is that it is ideal for programming. Less to program, and it ends up making the game more fun.
Go clickers! Make some simple rule games!