Writing Best Practices
Accessibility
Plain Language Guidelines
- Use everyday words when you can- try to write at an eighth grade level.
- Define game terms early in their source page.
- Break complicated rules into steps.
- Give examples for anything confusing.
Progressive Disclosure
- Start with what most players need to know.
- THEN add the complex stuff in labeled sections.
- Put edge cases in collapsible sections or notes.
Mobile-Friendly Formatting
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Keep paragraphs short (5-6 sentences max).
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Use meaningful subheadings every few paragraphs.
Scannability
Effective Subheadings
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Use descriptive headers, not clever ones.
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Maintain consistent hierarchy (don't skip levels).
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Keep headers concise (5 words or less ideally).
When to Use Lists vs a Block of Text
Use Lists For:
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Requirements or prerequisites
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Step-by-step instructions
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Multiple examples
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Quick reference stuff
Use Regular Paragraphs For:
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Stories and descriptions
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Lore and world-building
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Explaining concepts
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Character dialogue
Call-Out Boxes
These can be found in the text editor in the style selection menu. Use these to highlight:
Examples & Clarifications
When to Include Examples
- Complex rule interactions
- Mathematical calculations
- Multi-step processes
- Commonly misunderstood rules
Format:
- Example: [Situation]
- [Step-by-step resolution]
- Result: [Outcome]