Computer-assisted puzzle design

Abstract

One approach to game design is to start with existing ideas and to modify them in interesting new ways. This process of “creative plagiarism” is applied to the Japanese logic puzzle Sudoku to create a new variant called Ludoku, which simplifies some aspects of the original puzzle while adding new strategies without adding undue complexity. This paper describes the design process from initial conception to final product, and how computer analysis was crucial to its success.