Rules & Systems Development
overview
Rules that teach.
Systems that sing.
We tune loops and economies, smooth rough edges, and make your rules easy to learn. Small, testable changes — so players reach the fun faster and your next build moves with purpose.
Your design is close; it’s the dials. We map how players earn and spend, when tension builds, and where exploits or snowball states can appear. Then we craft minimal, high-leverage edits—costs, thresholds, triggers, sequencing—that preserve your vision while making the system hold under pressure.
You get annotated rules, toggle-ready variants (A/B where useful), and a short plan for what to test next. Want it in TTS? We’ll ship a lightweight module or patch so you can try it fast — no rewrite marathon required.
What We Fix
Clarity & Onboarding
If players stall on page one or ask the same questions twice, we restructure the teach, add examples where they matter, and give you a first-turn scaffold so tables self-start.
Core Loop & Economy Tune-Up
Dead turns, kingmaking, or runaway engines? We map the loop, flag pain points, and propose minimal-change patches with A/B toggles you can flip in TTS or PnP.
Balance & Scaling
Swingy outcomes or asymmetry that drifts by player count? We run probability sanity checks, set sensible thresholds, and give you a scaling matrix to hold the line from 1–5+ players.
Scenarios, Progression & Variety
If every game feels the same, we add curated setups and progression beats that escalate cleanly — no component blow-ups, no rules creep.
Solo/Co-Op Systems
Bots shouldn’t feel like chores. We design lightweight priorities and difficulty dials so wins feel earned and losses feel fair.
deliverables
What You Get
Designer-grade deliverables, selected as needed to match your project’s goals.
Systems Brief
What’s changing and why — goals, risks, and the decisions that get you to a sharper next build.
Loop & Economy Map
A diagram of how value enters, moves, and converts — plus the pressure points that drive tension (and where it leaks).
Patch Set with A/B Toggles
Minimal-change edits with on/off switches you can flip in TTS or PnP. Each patch states intent, expected impact, and how to validate.
Rules Diff Pack
Clean, edited rules with examples right where players stumble — so the teach gets faster and the first turn starts itself.
Next-Test Plan
Exactly what to try next, who to test with, and the thresholds for “good” (teach time, downtime, fairness bands, etc.).
Balance & Scaling Harness
A lightweight model or sheet with target ranges and player-count adjustments — so asymmetry holds and swinginess drops.
Table Check Artifacts
Timestamped observation log, friction heatmap, and a short highlights reel — so you and collaborators can see the shift, not just read about it.
TTS/PnP Test Kit
A small module or print-and-swap pack that bakes in the toggles — no rewrite marathon required.
packages
Development Packages
Pick a starting point. We’ll tailor scope to your goals.
Clarity Kit
$900
Turn a murky teach into a self-starting table. We diagnose where players stall, restructure the opening moments, and align language and visuals so rules explain themselves. The result: faster first turns, fewer disputes, and a smoother path to real play.
Best for: Rulebook clarity and a faster teach.
Outcome: Higher blind-start rate, faster first turns, fewer lookups.
You get:
Rules Audit + Teach Restructure
Line-by-line review to remove ambiguity, reorder the teach, and clarify timing, scoring, and edge cases.
Quick-Start + First-Turn Scaffold
Boxed quick-start and a scripted first turn with prompts to surface agency and prevent stalls.
Terms & Icon Mini-Guide
One-page glossary and icon key with consistent verbs, definitions, and visual cues for mid-turn checks.
Guided DIY Table Check Kit
Self-serve checklist and mini-scripts to sanity-check clarity with your group before the next playtest.
Next-Test Plan
Clear test objectives, success criteria, and instrumentation to measure learning and validate changes in one session.
30-Min Handoff Call
Walkthrough of changes, what to print or upload, and the exact steps to run your next test.
Balance Builder
$1,950
When results feel off, we map pressure and flow, verify the math that matters, and make precise, low-risk adjustments. You get lean changes validated quickly — bringing difficulty, pacing, and rewards back into a healthy window without derailing the design.
Best for: Fairness fixes, swingy outcomes, or economy thresholds.
Outcome: Fairness in band, reduced variance, clearer upgrade timing.
You get:
Loop & Economy Map + Ranked Flags
Visual map of resource flows with prioritized imbalance flags by severity, frequency, and leverage.
Probability Sanity Checks + Threshold Tuning
Validate key odds and distributions; tune thresholds (DCs, drop rates, RNG ranges) to target difficulty bands.
Change Set with A/B Toggles (TTS/PnP)
Packaged tweaks with switchable A/B variants for instant testing in Tabletop Simulator or print-and-play.
Studio-Moderated Table Checks + Logs
Rapid, studio-run checks with external players; objective notes and outcome logs you can scan and act on.
Next-Test Plan with Acceptance Targets
Concrete objectives, instruments, and pass/fail targets so you know when a change is ready to ship.
1-Hour Working Session + Updated Model
Live working session to apply decisions; delivery of an updated balance model/spreadsheet reflecting changes.
Core Systems Upgrade
$2,700
Targeted surgery on core mechanics to remove friction without a ground-up rewrite. We smooth costs, timing, and triggers, relieve bottlenecks in the main loop, and validate fixes fast — so the foundation locks and you can build with confidence.
Best for: A full tune-up across clarity, loops, and balance.
Outcome: Smoother teach, tighter pacing, less snowball risk.
You get:
Mechanics Tune-Up + Light Rules Polish
Targeted tweaks to costs, timing, and triggers, plus surgical rule edits to remove stalls.
Loop & Economy Map with Minimal-Change Patches
Lean flow/economy diagram with low-risk patches that fix pressure points without redesigns.
Studio-Moderated Table Checks + Logs
Short, moderator-led checks with fresh players; structured notes, timestamps, and outcomes for quick action.
Post-Session Change Memo + A/B-Ready Toggles
Decision recap and recommended changes, delivered with switchable A/B variants for TTS/PnP.
Next-Test Plan with Acceptance Targets
Concrete objectives, KPIs, and instrumentation with acceptance thresholds so you know when to lock it.
1-hour Working Session + Updated Model
Live co-working to apply decisions; updated balance/system model or sheet reflecting the new state.
Campaign Ready
$3,500
Built for multi-session arcs where drift creeps in. We chart progression across chapters, tune thresholds to prevent snowballs and starvation, and validate stability over several plays — so your campaign holds its shape from early game to finale..
Best for: Games with persistent unlocks and chaptered arcs.
Outcome: Stable across counts, varied setups, and a satisfying arc.
You get:
Loop & Economy Map + Ranked Flags
End-to-end economy and progression map with prioritized flags for snowballing, scarcity, hoarding, and softlocks over a campaign arc.
Probability Sanity Checks + Threshold Tuning
Validate encounter odds, reward/drop curves, and upgrade success; tune thresholds (incl. pity timers) to hit target difficulty bands by chapter.
Change Set with A/B Toggles (TTS/PnP)
Packaged adjustments with switchable variants (reward rates, upgrade costs, spawn tables) ready for multi-session trials in TTS or print-and-play.
Studio-Moderated Table Checks + Logs
Moderator-led scenario-chain checks with fresh players; logs track win-rate drift, resource velocity, and decision variety across sessions.
Next-Test Plan with Acceptance Targets
Objectives and pass/fail targets per arc—win-rate windows, time-to-first upgrade, stash balance—plus instrumentation to verify over 2–3 sessions.
1-Hour Working Session + updated model
Live working hour to apply decisions; delivery of an updated campaign model/spreadsheet with editable knobs for future tuning.
Development Add-Ons
Add only what moves your game forward. If scope shifts, we’ll re-scope together — no surprises.
Studio-Moderated Table Check
Two focused sessions with vetted players to validate changes fast. We handle recruiting, run the table, and deliver timestamped logs plus a clear synthesis and next steps.
Working Session (co-design)
Objectives and pass/fail targets per arc—win-rate windows, time-to-first upgrade, stash balance—plus instrumentation to verify over 2–3 sessions.
Rules Polish
A tight line edit for clarity and consistency. Clean terminology, sharper examples, and a smoother teach.
Mechanics Tune-Up
Targeted fixes for 2–3 systems. Diagnose friction, ship minimal-change patches, and get quick play aids for testing.
Rulebook Restructure & Teach Flow
Rebuild your rulebook for faster onboarding: re-sequenced sections, rewritten setup/teach, clearer headings, and example turns.
Balance Sprint
Lightweight model + simulations to tune thresholds and rein in swinginess. You get an updated sheet and an A/B-ready change set
process
How It Works
Each engagement ends with a Next-Test Plan and clear acceptance targets, so you know what “good” looks like at the table.
Rules Diagnostic
We listen for goals, pain points, and constraints. You show us where players stall; we note the quick wins and the deeper work.
Read & Map
We review your rules, recent playtest notes, and a build (TTS or PnP). Then we map the core loop and economy, flagging friction and fairness risks.
Minimal-Change Patches
You’ll get targeted adjustments with A/B toggles — small moves that make a big difference. Where it matters, we run probability sanity checks and set sensible thresholds.
Table Check
We moderate one or two short sessions. We watch for teach time, first-turn clarity, decision density, downtime, and runaway/snowball patterns.
Tighten & Hand-Off
We finalize the patch set, polish the rules language, and deliver a Next-Test Plan with clear acceptance targets — so you know exactly what “good” looks like for the next build.
faqs
Popular Questions
Which package should I pick?
If clarity is the blocker, start with Clarity Kit. For math and pressure points, Balance Builder. If you need surgical fixes across core loops, Core Systems Upgrade. Multi-session/progression issues point to Campaign Ready. Not sure? Book a 15-min fit check.
What exactly do I get?
A mapped set of changes (A/B-ready where useful), a Next-Test Plan with acceptance targets, any promised worksheets/models, and a live working session to apply decisions. Packages that include checks deliver logs and a short change memo.
How fast is turnaround?
Typical ranges: Clarity Kit ~1 week; Balance Builder and Core Systems Upgrade ~1–2 weeks; Campaign Ready ~2–3 weeks. Complexity and asset readiness can shift timing.
What do you need from me to start?
Your current rules (doc or PDF), component list, goals and pain points, recent playtest notes (if any), and access to a TTS mod or PnP files. A short “what success looks like” note helps.
What’s a “Studio-moderated Table Check”?
A short, focused session with external players to validate a change or instruction — not a full playtest. You get objective notes, timestamps, outcomes, and immediate recommendations.
How do A/B toggles work (TTS/PnP)?
We deliver switchable variants (e.g., reward rates, costs, thresholds). In TTS, you’ll get labeled states or parameter sheets; in PnP, clearly marked pages. Your Next-Test Plan tells you when to use A vs. B and how to read results.
What do “probability sanity checks + threshold tuning” cover?
We verify odds and distributions on the few levers that matter — success tests, drop tables, spawn/rarity, upgrade success — and tune thresholds to hit target difficulty bands.
Will you rewrite my rules?
Clarity Kit includes a restructure of the teach and critical sections plus a Quick-Start and mini-guide. Deeper rules rewrites beyond that can be scoped as add-ons.
How do you measure success?
Your Next-Test Plan includes acceptance targets (e.g., win-rate window, time-to-first choice, resource surplus caps) and simple instrumentation so you can verify in one session.
Do you handle asymmetry, campaigns, or expansions?
Yes. We map loops per faction/role, check snowball/hoarding risks, and for campaigns set chapter-level thresholds. Expansions get compatibility checks and flagged interactions.
What tools do you work in?
Google Docs/Sheets, Notion (on request), and Tabletop Simulator for builds. Deliverables are TTS- and print-and-play-ready where specified.
Will you test with my team instead of external players?
Yes — Table Checks can be run with your group if that’s the goal. We’ll still moderate and log outcomes.
Is my IP protected?
Absolutely. We can sign a mutual NDA; you retain all rights to your game and materials.
What if we need another iteration?
Each package lands you at a testable state. If a further cycle is needed, we can extend hourly or roll into the next package — your call.
Leave a request
Start a Rules & Systems Diagnostic
Tell us your game, goals, and where play stalls. We’ll review your materials and reply with a scoped plan, a recommended package, and a start date.
