Games are more than programming

Dr. Renusha Athugala - Head of Game Design at RMIT Vietnam shared: "People often think that making games is programming".

“The resurgence of board games shows that understanding of game design has expanded and that programming is just part of digital gaming.”

The history of board games in global cultures shows that games, both for entertainment and culture, have accompanied humanity for centuries.

Board games have their own definition. Dr. Agnieszka Kiejziewicz - RMIT Game Design lecturer points out: "Board games are structured forms of play that can contain tangible components and rules, scenarios, pieces and mechanics".

“Board games can have different goals, like collecting items, completing missions, winning races or defeating opponents,” she added.

The potential of board games in Vietnam is undeniable. With a strong annual growth rate (CAGR) expected at 13.73% during 2022-2029, this market will expand significantly, reaching an estimated value of 15.47 million USD by 2029.

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Board games can help players bond with each other.

According to observations by RMIT lecturers, board games are often associated with social interactions, making them more attractive by creating opportunities for fun competition among friends. The tactile experience also makes board games unique, stimulating multiple senses while playing.

“Board games are an ‘excuse’ for people to put their phones down, helping families and friends bond and learn from each other,” said Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Founder and CEO of Maztermind, a Vietnamese company that designs and produces high-quality board games.

Board games are also expected to contribute to the development of intelligence and strategic thinking, and are a humane product.

From player to game designer

Experts emphasize that board game design requires not only a deep understanding of gameplay and game components, but also a real passion.

Dr. Kiejziewicz believes that local culture can be an important source of inspiration for game designers. “Board games that are rooted in local history or folklore are more likely to resonate with local players, creating a sense of belonging and connection through shared knowledge,” she says.

“Components such as characters, values, norms, and traditions can influence both game reception and mechanics,” adds Dr. Athugala.

“On the other hand, adapting to the local market is closely related to marketing and distribution.”

RMIT University experts believe that Vietnamese board games need to have both international appeal and strong local identity, acting as a means to bring Vietnamese culture to the world.

According to Dr. Athugala, Vietnam has a strong tradition of board games, with studios like Maztermind contributing to the industry by localizing global games and gaining international recognition. Meanwhile, studios like Ngu Hanh Games focus on designing board games with unique original content.

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What makes board games truly unique is the tactile experience.

From the perspective of a board game designer, Mr. Toan emphasized that localizing games is very important. According to him, the biggest challenge is integrating cultural values ​​into the product.

“You need to dig deep into the culture and find stories that not everyone knows, discover something new or something old that no one has discovered,” he said.

Board game development requires passion, purpose, and financial ability to create a finished product that is both meaningful and profitable.

To encourage creative learning and practice-based innovative thinking, RMIT Game Design has partnered with Maztermind to host the RMIT x Maztermind Board Game Festival for students, faculty, alumni and board game enthusiasts in Ho Chi Minh City.

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More than 300 people experienced Maztermind products and participated in an exciting chess and checkers tournament.

“We want to show students that there are many aspects to game design and that board game design should be considered a viable career path,” said Dr. Athugala.

“In addition, we seek to enhance students’ critical thinking by engaging them in fun activities that provide new perspectives and valuable experiences,” he said.

The fair also provides students with new connections with industry insiders and a variety of potential internship opportunities.

At the event, Associate Professor Donna Cleveland - Acting Head of the School of Communication and Design, RMIT University, emphasized: “RMIT Game Design students have strengths in creativity and innovation, with proficient skills in both digital and traditional game development”.

“Technical expertise combined with a deep understanding of game mechanics and values ​​helps you create engaging and meaningful experiences,” says Associate Professor Donna Cleveland.

This holistic approach to learning ensures that RMIT students are not only proficient in specialised skills but also have the ability to think broadly, ready to make a significant impact in the game design industry.

“The program enhances creativity by allowing students the freedom to explore any idea we choose,” said Matthew Povey, a second-year Game Design student at RMIT University.

He decided to study Game Design because: “Games are not just for entertainment. They can also serve as educational tools, promote competition and improve problem-solving skills, paving the way for a promising future.”

Doan Phong