12-hour brownout set in Albay towns Friday

Designing with Downtime 5 Takeaways from a 12-Hour Brownout

When disaster strikes, it's often in the aftermath that we discover valuable lessons. A recent 12-hour brownout in Albay, Philippines, provided just such an opportunity for game designers to reflect on their craft. As the lights went out and the world slowed down, five key takeaways emerged that can be applied to the art of board game design.

1. Flexibility is Key

When the power went out, people found creative ways to adapt. They used flashlights to read by, played cards under the streetlights, and even resorted to old-fashioned storytelling. Game designers can learn from this example by building flexibility into their designs. By providing multiple paths for players to take, you're giving them the opportunity to adapt to changing circumstances – just like people did during that brownout.

2. Storytelling is a Powerful Tool

As the darkness fell, people began sharing stories of their own experiences with power outages past. The way these tales were shared – around candlelit circles and in hushed tones – was almost surreal. This experience highlights the importance of storytelling in game design. By weaving compelling narratives into your games, you're giving players a sense of connection to one another and to the world around them.

3. Community is Crucial

During that long night, Albay residents came together to share resources and support one another. Neighbors became friends, strangers became community members, and everyone found common ground in their shared experience. Game designers can take note from this by building a sense of community into their designs. By providing opportunities for players to collaborate, you're fostering a sense of belonging that will keep them engaged long after the power goes back on.

4. Simple Pleasures are Worth Appreciating

As people made do with minimal lighting and basic amenities, they found joy in simple things – like the sound of children's laughter or the smell of freshly cooked food. Game designers can learn from this by focusing on the small pleasures that players will experience during gameplay. By incorporating these moments into your design, you're giving players a reason to appreciate the little things.

5. Resilience is Essential

When the lights flickered back on, it was as if everyone had been given a second chance. They were refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Game designers can take this lesson to heart by incorporating elements of resilience into their designs. By providing players with opportunities to bounce back from setbacks or overcome obstacles, you're giving them the tools they need to succeed in the face of adversity.

The next time disaster strikes (whether it's a power outage or something more significant), remember that lessons can be learned and applied to your craft. Take these five takeaways – flexibility, storytelling, community, simple pleasures, and resilience – and use them to inform your game design. Who knows? Your next creation might just become a shining beacon of hope in the darkness.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.