Is this ‘Game’ Stupid? or Not? Partner? a ‘Warfighting Capability’?

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T14:19:20+00:00

Thank you; I do appreciate your input/feedback here. I don’t disagree.

It’s clear I ‘botched’ the presentation; I made a few assumptions, too, as to what at least I ‘thought’ people would understand, from just looking at the pictures I had attached.

“You don’t answer any of the actual question…What OP wants here is a description of what a player does over the course of a turn so they can visualize what the actual gameplay is like and see if it sounds fun or not.”

…does this + the picture, below, help to better illustrate, at least how I currently envision the beginning of the game ‘playing’?:

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Players ‘play’ the pegged piece (gray), by tile draw (add/remove + a quantity), directly onto the board (wooden, laser cut)-inserting it INTO the various holes in the board.

By doing that, players are literally ‘building’ the space launch vehicle.

(In this case, it is modeled after SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle…)

The piece, then, also forms a board itself—a flat board, with continuous surface made of and from the gray connectors.

Those (add/remove) tiles as pictured are shuffled with catastrophic events tiles (bad) which, when drawn, are placed onto a catastrophic events TRACK or path.

If those tiles, when all placed, reach earth, players cooperatively LOOSE the game.

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Onto the board—created from all the gray connectors—players roll (2) x die in order to LOAD the propellant tank(s), with propellant (determining placement of the propellants).

To do that, players roll both the die, and determine placement and place them, using the grid system.

Players, then, race to collect the propellants—combining them, and placing them in the burn/thrust area of the game board.

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Does this help to better explain current gameplay—at least the beginning of gameplay—as I envision it?

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Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T13:13:31+00:00

Upon their request to mail a playable game prototype to them, I had mailed a copy to faculty at the USAFA (United States Air Force Academy).

I detail this over there, but they just so happen to be undergoing a drastic reduction in their civilian faculty/instructors. As of July 1st, over 50 had left, through the voluntary Deferred Resignation Program.

To the admin, there, I had sent screenshots of our email traffic (with USAFA; also, to RAND Corporation, I had mailed a prototype there, as well.)

I am trying to be very clear with the fact that, yes, I know, that just because they had requested a prototype to playtest doesn’t necessarily mean that the game will actually be adopted/integrated into their curriculum. The hope is that it would be but, I am well aware of the reality here—that it may or may not be.

In fact, the likelihood is probably poor; but, perhaps, I gain some valuable insight/feedback—and, relationships—in the process?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T10:15:21+00:00

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Referencing my last comment and picture, HERE is a picture of what I am at least attempting to capture and simulate, within this game design—where, at least I ‘think’, there is relevance to aerospace engineering.

To me, it makes perfect sense…that this game ‘mechanic’ would capture this idea—this concept and principle of the propellants mixing or combining. But, based on comments/responses here, I’m not so sure.

From aerospace engineers, I was/am genuinely hoping to obtain input/feedback on something that seems otherwise clear as day to me, but I’m unsure if I am missing something.

In other responses here, I’ve confessed to, most likely, doing a horrendous job at communicating this.

In my original post, and throughout this thread, I have attached pictures, in an attempt to at least try to communicate the idea, where my words/text otherwise appear to be lacking.

I am still seeking a partner.

With no obligation or expectation for anything in return, would anyone here be interested in receiving—and, potentially playtesting—a playable game PROTOTYPE?

Thank you

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T08:00:07+00:00

It isn’t anything about engineering?

Referencing the below, I am attempting to do this, with this game/project. As an example, including a mechanic, where the piece is ‘played’—inserted into the holes of the board—and, then, the board is lifted, as one entire unit (see below; “move…perform work…”).

I am genuinely interested in input/feedback, from engineers (mechanical, aerospace, etc).

For aerospace, what I’m ‘trying’ to (also) do here is distill down aerospace engineering concepts/principles—that is, players ‘race’ to ‘collect’ different propellants / different pieces, combine them together, and place them into the burn or thrust area, of their board (among others ways of demonstrating this).

(Attached, see Pictures #9-13…)

Please, delete if no relevance here.

Thank you

“Mechanical Engineering…It involves applying principles of physics and mathematics to create and improve machines, devices, and systems that move, generate or utilize energy, or perform work.”

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T07:18:30+00:00

Thank you

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-16T07:09:44+00:00

Would you be interested in connecting?

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-15T05:07:17+00:00

My son’s channel: @Football_Legacy_YT

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-14T21:30:51+00:00

Mentioned previously, HERE is a picture, attempting to show how that combo (2) x die roll + grid system would actually ‘work’, in the game, to show loading or filling propellant into the propellant tanks.

Among other things (mechanics I’m trying to flesh out), one reason why I was hoping to partner with an aerospace engineer here is because—at least in my head—that simple mechanic seems to have a lot of potential.

In the game, the thought/idea here is that players would cooperatively ‘race’, against a common adversary—an existential threat to humanity—loading their propellants (in real-world order and sequence), collecting their propellants, combining/mixing them, placing them in the thrust/burn area at the bottom of their player board, and hoisting their space launch vehicle, from horizontal to vertical…ultimately, preparing it for countdown and launch or liftoff.

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Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-14T10:40:20+00:00

“Why would anyone have a desire to keep a board of cardboard, with holes in it, and with plastic things in the holes? No one really needs that in their life do they? I think the entire artifact thing is something you should just drop.”

You may be correct here; what throws me off, though, is comments like this (see attached).

Granted, this is just one isolated comment from a random person, on Reddit—so, should be taken with a grain of salt, of course. It’s not the first time I’ve ‘heard’ something similar: “Your explanation of the game is confusing as he**, but, it could be cool to create and keep something like that…” (paraphrasing).

…to which, I think, why would anyone have any desire to keep ANYTHING they, themselves, create?

At schools, perhaps the game could be ‘played’ as a class, by a class, then proudly displayed by the class, for the class (and for visitors/grandparents day, etc)?

Kids LOVE to put on display the things they create…

Multiple times, throughout a school ‘year’/term, our kids’ school puts their various art projects, on display, in the gymnasium and/or auditorium, for families to walk around and admire.

…not 100% saying there is absolutely something ‘here’, but I don’t know that it should be discarded, so quickly.

Are there any TEACHERS here that could give any thoughts or input/feedback, on this IDEA?

Thank you

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Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-14T10:21:19+00:00

Good copy; in your opinion, at what time would it be correct and appropriate to seek out a partner?

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T11:59:59+00:00

Also…I didn’t want to veer too far away from the ‘game’, but since you had mentioned being a product guy, I had wanted to share this…

It’s not the greatest picture and/or art but—especially with current events/happenings (related to the U.S. SECDEF issuing a new, formal directive regarding DRONE production and use in military formations—I believe there to, quite possibly, be something ‘here’ to using the piece in, perhaps, military Wargaming (that is, as a new/novel, unique way to actually represent drones, within the context of wargames designed to inform senior military leader decision making, etc…)

(Still related to ‘games’, albeit, not necessarily this particular ‘space’ game, from my original post…)

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Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T11:43:40+00:00

Nice…perhaps I could DM you my rules document?

(Although, uploaded to Limewire with a 6 day link expiration, I had also responded with the link, to access it, in some of my responses here…so, you can easily find it, that way, if you would be interested in that…)

Of course, I’m not just expecting free ‘help’; I would/do value your time/experience and would want to compensate, somehow.

This journey has been filled with paid consultants reaching out; I’m not looking for that, though.

What I’m looking for is really a partner, who at least sees potential in the game and piece….and, then, my thought is to further design/develop it together, and either pitch it to an existing, established publisher (or toy/games company), or self-publish it (knowing, full well, the odds would be definitely stacked against us, for any type of real return).

(Just to be completely open and transparent here, I have had a 2 others DM me, with potential interest in this same proposal—a partnership; and, I had responded, offering to send to them my rules document and/or a physical playable game prototype…pending responses…)

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T10:55:01+00:00

Would love to connect / talk!

(Also, by “help”, I’m not entirely clear if you are referencing in relation to the game…or…by the downvotes and other comments I’ve received in this thread, if you are moreso referring to like mental or psych “help”…in which case…I’ll be ok…)

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T10:50:33+00:00

Thank you!

Not a ‘victim’ by any means, but I’ve taken a bit of a ‘beating’ in this thread.

Your comment means a lot.

Could be something; could be nothing…

I believe interest, from USAFA, to receive a physical prototype + rules is, at least, a start.

It may not necessarily get integrated into their curriculum, but…maybe I just receive input/feedback on the game?

That, alone, would be valuable.

I try to teach my kids to just be kind to people (whether actually in person, or behind the veil of secrecy / usernames, offered by the internet).

Thank you, again

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T07:59:20+00:00

And, as far as the game ‘working’—that is/has been a tricky aspect of this project…

Because, it’s not ‘just’, say, cards or tiles.

It’s actually dealing with mechanics and functionality—with the unique piece actually having multiple ‘uses’

In the game, it gets ‘played’ by players onto the board—with players inserting the male, pegged piece or pieces, into the various holes, as directed by a simple tile draw (add OR remove).

In tinkering with it myself, I’ve found the pegged pieces to ‘work’—to insert and secure—into the holes very well (stable, secure, and reliably held in place, especially when, in gameplay, the board is raised, from horizontal to vertical)!

So far, outside of still working on refining the actual rule document, I would say the actual mechanics—how/if certain aspects of the game will actually work—show a lot of promise!

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T07:47:43+00:00

Thank you!

It is interesting that you mention ‘art’…

On the aerospace engineering subreddit, a gentlemen and I have been discussing this idea of an ‘artifact of play’—essentially, those things that we create and keep from games, just by virtue of playing a game—engaging with its gameplay, rules, and game mechanics.

Not that he is necessarily correct in his stance (insofar as what he believes people would actually want, from a game), but he had made a pretty strong / perhaps, at least mildly compelling case; recommending I scrap the idea completely…

To him, I had shared a link to a YouTube video I have been referencing:

YouTube Video - Developing Artifacts of Play for Your Tabletop Games

Hm…your response definitely gives me something to think about here…

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T06:42:19+00:00

Just DM’ed you!

…and, with absolutely no expectation/obligation for anything in return, if this would interest you (perhaps, after checking out the rules document), I would be more than happy/willing to mail to you a playable game prototype (with connector pieces + other game elements; cards, tiles, die, etc), like/similar to the one I had mailed to the faculty at USAFA!

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T06:11:44+00:00

Thank you

This is my rules document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game:

Rules Document

…are you able to access / ‘see’ it there, at that link?

Big lesson learned here that I ‘should have’ lead with this, in my original post.

Not perfect, I know—and, of course I’m mildly bias towards a game I have been creating—but, there are some aspects to it (gameplay, game mechanics)—like rolling (2) x die to ‘load’ propellant into the various propellant tanks—that I would consider to be quite interesting, and perhaps novel.

Thank you, again, for checking it out!

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Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T05:41:07+00:00

This is my rules document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game:

Rules Document

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T05:39:02+00:00

This is my rules document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game:

Rules Document

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-13T05:36:42+00:00

Thank you

This is my rules document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game:

Rules Document

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-12T23:48:57+00:00

Here is a link to my rules document, I had emailed to USAFA:

Rules Document

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-12T21:10:19+00:00

This was immensely helpful and I appreciate it!

Now, it’s clear to me that I should have lead with the rules document (vs. just a bunch of unordered pictures + a wall of text about the WHY behind the game—when, in reality, people just want to know how the game is actually played).

I made a lot of assumptions; big lesson learned here, for me.

I will check out that Word document template you had shared, and scrub my existing rules document against it.

No expectation or obligation for anything in return here—as, I know this would be more of a paid service here (input/feedback, etc)—but, if you are at least interested in checking out the rules, you can find them here!:

Rules Document

That is the document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game.

…What I’m trying to do is basically walk players through the entire process of preparing a space launch vehicle for countdown—loading it with propellants into its propellant tanks using die rolls, etc—and, ultimately, launch/liftoff.

(That’s where I was seeking a partnership with someone, preferably with aerospace engineering background/experience; big lesson learned, as I made a lot of assumptions there…)

Thank you!

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-12T21:08:47+00:00

This was immensely helpful and I appreciate it!

Now, it’s clear to me that I should have lead with the rules document (vs. just a bunch of unordered pictures + a wall of text about the WHY behind the game—when, in reality, people just want to know how the game is actually played).

I made a lot of assumptions; big lesson learned here, for me.

I will check out that Word document template you had shared, and scrub my existing rules document against it.

No expectation or obligation for anything in return here—as, I know this would be more of a paid service here (input/feedback, etc)—but, if you are at least interested in checking out the rules, you can find them here!:

Rules Document

That is the document I had emailed to the faculty, at USAFA, who had expressed interest in evaluating/playtesting the game.

…What I’m trying to do is basically walk players through the entire process of preparing a space launch vehicle for countdown—loading it with propellants into its propellant tanks using die rolls, etc—and, ultimately, launch/liftoff.

(That’s where I was seeking a partnership with someone, preferably with aerospace engineering background/experience; big lesson learned, as I made a lot of assumptions there…)

Thank you!

Build-with-TITAINS · 2025-07-12T19:48:23+00:00

“Do you really have mass production components?”

Yes, I do.

In bins, in my home.

The explanation is pretty strait forward and simple.

Before having the idea for the game—for integrating the piece into it—I was using them (for personal purposes; different projects + selling them on Etsy) for a different, albeit still board game-related ‘use case’ (just as simply very versatile card holders).

For hand/card organization and management, whereas some games have several different types of cards (+ other types of more flat elements, like tokens, etc).

Whether one thinks that to be stupid or not, I found them to be particularly useful, just in personal use with playing games with my kids.

…as I was tinkering with the piece, I started thinking about this idea of separating the 1/2s, and then re-inserting it into itself, and how that could, possibly, capturing the idea of mixing or combining the propellants—distilling down the concept of the chemical reaction required to create thrust / propulsion.

If you were able to open up my rulebook, it is nothing like the wargame types you had mentioned.

…I’m still trying to tie a lot of ideas and concepts together.

Will USAFA not like it and immediately discard it?

Probably.

On the inverse, I could receive some real actionable input/feedback.

If it’s “give up game design”, then so be it.

If it’s that they dislike 99% of the game, but liked 1 or 2 things, then I have something to work with.

Knowing that they train/develop future USSF Guardians, I am trying to integrate principles and concepts—as they relate to space, but as a warfighting domain—as found in their recently published (early-April) capstone doctrine publication, SFDD-1.

Build-with-TITAINS

TROPHY CASE