The Lens of Rules

To use this lens, look deep into your game until you can make out its most basic structure. Ask yourself these questions:

• What are the foundational rules of my game? How do these differ from the operational rules?
• Are there “laws” or “house rules” that are forming as the game develops? Should these be incorporated into my game directly?
• Are there different modes in my game? Do they make things simpler or more complex? Would the game be better with more or less modes?
• Who enforces the rules?
• Are the rules easy to understand, or are they confusing? If confusing, should I change the rules or explain them more clearly?