Level-Scaled Domino Runs: From Tiny 'Skirmish' Maps to Massive 'Campaign' Builds

Hook: Stop guessing the scale — pitch builds that sell

Creators, event producers, and hobby retailers: you know the pain. A client asks for “a big domino video,” stakeholders expect a price, and your team scrambles to translate hype into scope. Without a shared language for size, budgets balloon, risks spike, and the final cut disappoints.

In 2026, clarity isn’t optional. With new game-map thinking (see Arc Raiders' announced 2026 map spectrum) now influencing how creators describe size and flow, it’s time to borrow a proven taxonomy and apply it to domino productions. This article gives you a practical, battle-tested system — Skirmish → Skirmish+ → Assault → Campaign — plus hard numbers, modular blueprints, crew plans, risk-staging methods, and sample budgets so you can pitch, plan, and deliver repeatable, viral-ready domino runs.

Why a scale taxonomy matters in 2026

In late 2025 and early 2026 the games industry explicitly started naming map sizes as a spectrum to align devs, streamers, and players. Arc Raiders’ design lead Virgil Watkins signaled that maps would be released “across a spectrum of size” to support different gameplay types — a small-but-intense map next to grand, sprawling arenas. That exact clarity is what domino builds need.

“Multiple maps across a spectrum of size” — Virgil Watkins, Arc Raiders design lead (GamesRadar interview, 2026)

Adopt a shared naming convention and you’ll reduce negotiation time, set realistic expectations, and create scalable SOPs. This article translates that spectrum into four domino-friendly tiers and gives you the tactical plans to pitch and deliver each one.

Quick reference: the four scale tiers

Use these shorthand labels in proposals, social posts, and crew briefs. Each tier has predictable costs, risks, crew needs, and production returns.

• Skirmish — quick, mobile sequences (500–3,000 pieces)
• Skirmish+ — extended runs and micro-scenes (3,000–12,000 pieces)
• Assault — event-grade builds with complex effects (12,000–50,000 pieces)
• Campaign — large multi-day, modular productions (50,000–500,000+ pieces)

Tier-by-tier playbook: profiles, budgets, crew and time

Skirmish — nimble content (best for creators testing ideas)

Profile: Fast turnaround, single-camera edits, ideal for short-form vertical content or product demos.

• Dominos: 500–3,000
• Footprint: 2–8 sq m / 20–80 sq ft
• Crew: 1–2 people
• Setup time: 1–4 hours
• Budget: $150–$1,200 (domino set, tools, camera/phone, small props)
• Risk staging: Single-section dry run, record from multiple angles if possible

Actionable tip: build a portable panel (folding base of plywood scored into 60x60cm modules) so you can repeat successful skirmish builds and ship them to collaborators.

Skirmish+ — extended sequences (for brand collabs and longer shorts)

Profile: More cinematic ambition — branded product reveals, multi-shot sequences, early monetization.

• Dominos: 3,000–12,000
• Footprint: 8–40 sq m / 80–430 sq ft
• Crew: 2–4 people + 1 dedicated camera operator
• Setup time: Half-day to 2 days
• Budget: $1,200–$8,000 (dominos, specialty tiles, camera gear, lighting, basic grip)
• Risk staging: Sectional build with checkpoints, 15% spare tiles, modular swap-ins

Actionable tip: name subsections (e.g., “Gate → Ramp → Reveal”) and assign one builder to each; use walkie or a simple mobile thread to coordinate resets.

Assault — show-stopping events (right for festivals, product launches)

Profile: Complex kinetic effects (domino-fall-to-Rube-Goldberg), synchronized camera moves, multiple productions days.

• Dominos: 12,000–50,000
• Footprint: 40–200 sq m / 430–2,150 sq ft
• Crew: 6–18 people (builders, lead camera, assistant camera, rigging, safety)
• Setup time: 2–5 days
• Budget: $8,000–$50,000 (venue rental, insurance, crew pay, equipment rental, catering)
• Risk staging: Full dress rehearsal day, staged safety zones, backup trigger strategies

Actionable tip: use color-coded tape under the domino lines for fast resets and to mark 'priority lanes' for cameras and safety staff.

Campaign — multi-module productions (studio showcases, world records)

Profile: Multi-day festival-style builds or touring exhibitions. You’re selling narrative and spectacle — sometimes to sponsors and ticket buyers.

• Dominos: 50,000–500,000+
• Footprint: 200 sq m+ / 2,150+ sq ft
• Crew: 12–60+ (multiple shifts, logistics, production management)
• Setup time: 1–4 weeks
• Budget: $50,000–$500,000+ (venue, multi-day insurance, shipping, specialist rigging, payroll, hospitality)
• Risk staging: Multi-layered test plan, redundant camera systems, dedicated recovery crew

Actionable tip: design the build as modular campaign tiles that can be assembled in squads and transported like stage flats — this dramatically reduces assembly time and allows touring.

Modular design: the linchpin for scalable builds

Modularity is the primary lever that converts a campaign into repeatable content and makes risk manageable. In 2026 we’re seeing creators use three modular strategies:

1. Panelized sections — 60×60cm or 1×1ft panels with interlocking edges for quick assembly and swapping.
2. Interface nodes — standardized transition strips where two panels meet. Build a test jig so you only test that node once per design iteration.
3. Effect cartridges — pre-built Rube components (ramps, ball runs, magnetic releases) that slot into the main run like a cartridge.

Actionable checklist for modular design:

• Label each panel with a unique code and placement sketch.
• Include a “first-fall” lane on each panel for in-situ test drops.
• Create a logistic box per module: spare tiles, micro-tools, gaffer, and locale-specific instructions.

Risk staging: staged failure is controlled failure

Risk staging turns unpredictable chain reactions into predictable productions. Treat a big build like software: test in environments of increasing complexity.

1. Unit tests: Test small subsections in isolation (Skirmish level).
2. Integration tests: Connect two or three modules (Skirmish+ to Assault size) and run 3–10 full drops.
3. Dress rehearsals: Full run-throughs with cameras and lighting. Record multiple takes from simultaneously running systems to find blind spots.

Recovery plan essentials:

• Redundancy: spare tiles equal to 15–25% of total pieces on large builds.
• Rollback lanes: pre-built swap panels that can be inserted in 10–30 minutes.
• Trigger redundancy: primary and secondary release systems (manual and electrical).

Logistics: shipping, storage, and venue checklist

Logistics often eats your margin. Here’s a practical list to get you from proposal to strike:

• Venue suitability: floor flatness, load-bearing, HVAC drafts, emergency exits, proximity to loading dock.
• Permits & insurance: public events commonly require event insurance and a floor-protection waiver. Allow 2–4 weeks for approvals.
• Shipping & storage: palletized panels, climate-controlled storage for specialty tiles, and clear labeling to make stage-hands efficient.
• Crew logistics: accommodation and catering for 10+ people for multi-day builds, shift planning to avoid fatigue.
• On-site safety: floor protection (rink mats or plywood), non-slip tape, barriered audience zones.

Budgeting templates and sample line items (use as a starting point)

Always add a contingency of 15–25% on builds because domain-specific risks compound quickly. Below are example ranges — plug in your local rates and scale.

Skirmish budget sample (baseline)

• Domino packs & special tiles: $60–$250
• Tools & gaff: $20–$100
• Camera (rental or amortized gear): $0–$150
• Labor (1–2 people): $0–$300
• Total: $150–$1,200

Assault budget sample (event-grade)

• Dominos & specialty pieces: $2,500–$8,000
• Venue rental (2–3 days): $2,000–$15,000
• Insurance & permits: $800–$6,000
• Production gear & rentals: $2,000–$20,000
• Crew & hospitality: $3,000–$30,000
• Total: $8,000–$50,000

Campaign budget factors

Campaigns often become hybrid productions (ticketed events + sponsored content) and include line items for touring logistics, multiple filming units, and long-term staffing. Budget ranges vary widely — plan detailed line items and a multi-stage payment schedule.

Pitch templates: concise language that converts

Use these one-line and expanded pitches when selling to brands, venues, or sponsors.

One-line pitch

“We propose a single-day Assault-level domino build (25k pieces) that creates three content pillars: a hero 90-second video, 6–8 short-form cuts, and a live event activation.”

Expanded pitch bullets (for proposals)

• Scope: Assault — 25,000 pieces, 1 main set, 3 effect cartridges
• Deliverables: 90s hero, 8x 15–30s shorts, 12 event photos, 5 minutes of BTS
• Timeline: 4 weeks pre-production, 3 days on-site, 2 weeks post
• Budget: $28,400 (detailed line items attached), 20% deposit to secure dates
• Risk plan: contingency panels for rapid replacement, backup release system, full insurance

2026 trends that should shape your next build

Leverage these trends to win sponsorships and streamline production:

• AI-assisted planning — tools that map domino separations and simulate fall timing can cut design iteration time by 30–60%.
• VR/AR previews — previsualize camera moves and sightlines in VR to catch risk zones before you build.
• Sustainable materials — eco-domino tiles and biodegradable props attract green-minded sponsors.
• Micro-sponsorships — stack multiple small sponsors (product placement, sector tie-ins) to cover event costs without a single large brand.
• Short-form-first camera strategies — plan vertical shots and slow-mo in the build stage to optimize for Reels/Shorts/TikTok distribution.

Production timeline: a repeatable schedule

Use this phased timeline and adapt it by tier.

Pre-production (3–28 days depending on tier)

• Concept & storyboarding
• Module design and fabrication
• Risk assessment, insurance, permits
• Staff hiring and scheduling

Build & rehearsal (1–14 days)

• Panel assembly and dry runs
• Integration tests and adjustments
• Dress rehearsal with cameras and lighting

Production day(s)

• Live run capture — multiple takes from redundant cameras
• Capture BTS for social media
• Immediate safe teardown of key areas if live audience present

Post (1–4 weeks)

• Editing and color grading
• Vertical crops and short-form edits
• Distribution plan execution

Safety & legal: practical must-dos

Safety is non-negotiable. Follow this checklist and document everything for insurers and partners.

• Obtain event insurance that covers public liability and property damage.
• Confirm venue fire marshal approval and egress plans.
• Install floor protection to prevent slips and to protect the venue surface.
• Keep aisles and exits clear; use stanchions to separate audience and build area.
• Use PPE for crew during long builds (knee pads, back supports, gloves).

Case study (in-house, late 2025)

Our dominos.space crew designed a 45k-piece Campaign demo for a winter 2025 charity pop-up. We used a 12-panel modular system, staged tests over three days, and ran a live weekend activation. Key outcomes:

• Setup time reduced 35% vs. first iteration after standardizing panel connectors.
• Audience engagement: 42k combined watches across platforms in the first 10 days.
• Sponsorship: three micro-sponsors covered 78% of venue and insurance costs.

Lessons learned: always budget extra spare tiles, and run at least two full dress rehearsals before ticketing the event.

Actionable takeaways

• Adopt the four-tier naming convention — use it in all proposals and briefs.
• Design with modular panels and interface nodes to speed assembly and reduce risk.
• Stage tests progressively: unit → integration → dress rehearsal.
• Include 15–25% spare piece contingency and secondary triggers in budgets.
• Leverage 2026 tools: AI planning, VR previsualization, and micro-sponsorships to defray cost.

Closing: pitch smarter, build safer, scale repeatably

Translating Arc Raiders’ map-spectrum language into domino scale tiers gives you a concise, persuasive way to sell projects and manage execution. Whether you’re a solo creator testing a new trick or a production house lining up a touring campaign, this taxonomy plus the planning steps above will help you save time, reduce risk, and produce more predictable content outcomes.

Ready to put the system to work? Start by defining the tier for your next pitch, build a one-page budget using the samples above, and draft a 2-point risk staging plan. Then run your first module test in under 24 hours.

Call to action: Need a custom proposal template or a budgeting spreadsheet for your next Skirmish → Campaign production? Head to dominos.space/resources or contact our production desk for an editable pack tailored to your scale and region.

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