Children of the Magi
For Game Chef 2007 I designed
Children of the Magi, a children's storytelling game of ancient Persia with young Magi-in-training helping people throughout the emperor's palace and learning the importance of pursuing virtue (
asha) over deception and disorder (
druj). The mechanics feature a variation of the memory game, with the matching of symbols having various effects.
My own children are still too young to assist me in playtesting, so I welcome other parents and teachers to take a look at the current state of the game. It's intended for ages three through eight, though that window may turn out to be entirely off once it sees actual play.
My primary design concerns at this point are:
Does the text guide you through preparation and play in an effective manner? What other topics need to be discussed?
Are the mechanics too difficult or too easy for the age group I'm hoping this game will serve? Are there particular problems that emerge in actual play that the mechanics do not address?
I'm not entirely satisfied with the current state of the game's moral component and end game. Am I being too heavy handed? Too black and white?
I'd welcome any playtesting or feedback of the game. I'm hoping to publish it eventually,and any help you provide will hasten that day forward. You can reach me at ericjboyddesigns@gmail.com or post in my sub-forum at The Forge.