1. The idea in one sentence

The idea in one sentence

Before you open the editor, grab a sheet of paper. An adventure needs three things: who, what do they want and what stands in the way.

Pia (who) wants to get out of the cellar (goal), but the door is locked (obstacle).

If your sentence gets longer or contains an "and then", the idea is too big for this weekend. Save it for later.

Plan the puzzle backwards

Plan from the end. At every step, ask yourself: What does the player need for this?

Open the door      needs  key
Find the key       needs  open grate
Open the grate     needs  screwdriver
Screwdriver        lies on the workbench

This chain already is your whole game. Professionals draw such chains as a diagram; Ron Gilbert, the creator of Monkey Island, calls it a "Puzzle Dependency Chart". For a weekend game a list is enough.

Graphics: placeholders are allowed

You don't need to be able to draw. To start with, use:

• simple shapes and photos you took yourself
• free asset packs, for example on itch.io (check the licence)
• the graphics from a Visionaire template

A finished game with ugly placeholders gets you further than a beautiful picture without a game.

Rule to remember
One room, one goal, one puzzle. Plan the puzzle from the end.

Your task
Write down your sentence and your puzzle chain. Four lines at most.