NodeCrafter: Tool for stochastic modeling board games and RPG

• Alexandre Altair de Melo UFJF
• Luis Eduardo Bet UFJF
• André Bonetto Trindade UFJF
• Marcelo da Silva Hounsell UFJF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbgames.2026.25914

Resumo

Introduction: Good game balancing provides fair and engaging gameplay experiences, ensuring equal conditions for players and memorable progression. However, many game creators lack the mathematical knowledge to analyze models based on stochastic mechanics, often relying on intuition and, at best, a large number of practical tests. Objective: This work presents NodeCrafter, a visual tool for modeling game subsystems, focusing on Monte Carlo simulations of stochastic processes for balancing design and evaluation. Materials and Methods: The proposed solution offers an online graphical modeling environment based on node flow that allows for the practical modeling, simulation, and sharing of rules. In addition to comparison with other available tools, the power of representing existing game systems is presented. Results: The results indicate that NodeCrafter can represent various mechanics common in tabletop and RPG games and presents itself as a promising tool for enthusiasts and studios.

Palavras-chave: Game design, game balancing, stochastic systems, Monte Carlo simulations

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