UX Challenges in Porting A Complex Tabletop Game to Digital
Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Digital Gaming Experiences
When working on a port of a tabletop game like Mr. President, a key area to focus on is simulating the tactile experience of board game into the digital world. The transition from physical board games to PC games presents a unique set of challenges that require a deep understanding of user experience design principles. The goal is to ensure the digital version retains the essence of the original while providing an intuitive and engaging experience for players, whether they’re new to the game or longtime fans. Here I’ll walk through some of the primary challenges involved in porting Mr. President to PC and how we're approaching them to create a seamless digital experience.
Replicating the Physicality of the Game
Tabletop games involve tactile experiences: players draw cards, roll dice, and physically move pieces around the board. This tactile feedback is deeply satisfying, and its absence in a digital environment can impact the overall experience. So, we're approaching Mr. President with not only a direct port of the design of the game, but also a strong focus on retaining the "feel" of the tabletop experience. The challenge here is designing a digital system that feels interactive without the direct physical touch of pieces. So we lean on animation, skeuomorphic elements and simple interactions to keep the sensation of moving a token or the thrill of a dice roll. We're relying heavily on sound an animation to reinforce this simulated real-world movement.
Managing Game Complexity
Strategy-heavy games like Mr. President come with a set of complex rules, mechanics, and game states. In a physical space, players can reference rulebooks, look at a game board, and consult each other for help. However, in a digital version, those same complexities can become overwhelming if not presented clearly. Translating a game's intricate rules and mechanics into an intuitive, digital interface can be a logistical nightmare. How do you present all the game states, player options, and ongoing actions without overwhelming the user? We're dialing in on a set of patterns that we'll use to make the game state and decisions presented to the player simply and as quickly as possible. One handy reference we use is an Information Architecture map of the game screen:
This helps keep the team aligned on what pieces of information go where, and what key variables need to be presented to the player to make decision making easier. This layout also helps us design onboarding systems, tooltips, and other dynamic help systems that can help guide players through complex mechanics. Making sure that the right kinds of information are put in a consistent and logical place will keep the interface from feeling cluttered or confusing.
Visual Design and Aesthetic Choices
Mr. President's artwork, from the board’s design to the artwork on cards, plays a significant role in its identity and appeal. When porting to a PC game, there’s a balance to be struck between staying true to the original aesthetic and adapting it to work on a screen. How do we retain the charm and visual appeal of the original artwork while adapting it for the constraints of a digital interface? Additionally, the medium shift will require us to rework how certain visual elements are represented, and create space for more art, sound, and narrative flavor than a physical game can offer. A UX designer needs to carefully evaluate the game’s visual identity and translate it in a way that still feels familiar to players. This might involve digitizing artwork for clarity on a screen, adjusting elements for better readability, or even designing animations that bring static artwork to life. Keeping the game's visual theme intact ensures that players still feel the same atmosphere as they did in the physical version, even in a new medium.
Balancing Player Autonomy vs. Digital Constraints
The tabletop version of Mr. President relies on a level of player autonomy where decisions are made in the moment, and the flow of the game is open-ended. This flexibility is something digital versions must replicate while adhering to the constraints of the digital medium. In a PC game format, players may feel constrained by the computer’s rigid structure, limited by the controls and the lack of room for organic, unscripted gameplay. So, our solution lies in designing intuitive controls and systems that give players as much freedom as possible within the digital environment. Allowing players to process rulesets and make decisions within an open interface can help maintain a feeling of freedom. While most of the changes in board state are deterministic, we always present the player with a clear choice of actions and all RNG is manually elected by the player. We also don't want the game to invisibly automate state changes, since that hinders player learning and understanding; we’re designing through detailed step-by-step flows for all the various actions across the game, and tuning how to convey the state change information clearly and concisely.
Porting Mr. President to PC is a delicate balancing act between honoring the original, providing an engaging user experience, and adapting to the constraints of digital platforms. My job here is about crafting an experience that makes players feel at home with the game, keeping the vibe of sitting at a game table while they actually sit in front of a screen.
Ultimately, the most successful digital adaptations capture the essence of the original game while enhancing the experience through thoughtful design. By addressing the unique challenges of game complexity, tactile feedback, and visual design, we can create a digital version of Mr. President that gives the same fun, stress, and power fantasy that players love in the physical version.