The 15-Minute Micro-Game Gauntlet

The Rules

• The Canvas: One standard 3x5 inch index card. You may only use one side.
• The Clock: You have exactly 15 minutes to write down the mechanics, draw the layout, and finish the prototype.
• The Tools: A pencil is your only free item.
• The Component: You get one outside item to drive the game. Pick a single die, a coin, a paper clip, or a meeple.

The Playtest and Polish

Your 15-minute sprint will be messy. That is the point. Play the game you just made. You will find broken math or missing steps.

You get one revision phase. You are allowed to adjust the rules for playability and polish the layout to give it a final shine. The spirit and core mechanics of your original panic design must remain exactly the same. Fix the holes, but keep the soul.

Case Study: The Dungeon of Doors

I took the challenge. Here is my raw 15-minute layout.

After a quick run, I clarified the combat math and loot drops for the final polished card.

And here is the monument to the first playtest. A squirrel in Room 5 took out the hero.

Submit Your Game

Beat the clock? Send us your final polished card. We will feature your design right here and give you full credit. Since file uploads are blocked, just drop a link to your image.

Creator Name (How you want to be credited): Game Title: Link to Your Card Image (Imgur, Google Drive, Neocities, etc.): Brief Description or Playtest Story (Who killed your Bob?): Submit to the Gauntlet