Overview:

SpaceChem is a design-based puzzle game about fake science and cosmic horror. In this talk, designer Zach Barth explores the differences between SpaceChem and other puzzle games, provides information on how to make your own design-based puzzles, and shows how to build community features around them. The talk includes cautionary tales from the development of SpaceChem regarding appeal, difficulty, and tutorial design. The talk also covers rapid-fire, post-launch insights and sales data.