Bridges Should Support Exactly Two Builds
Players can sometimes be creatures of comfort. They find a strategy that works for them and stick with it. Other times, they can feel overwhelmed by too many options, so they stick with
Externalities
While pursuing a goal, players may create new opportunities or threats for themselves or others as a side effect of their actions. This creates new goals for players, ensuring gameplay does not stall once they have achieved their primary goal.
Long-Term Goals Need Intermediate Payoffs
Long-term goals are fun. They give players big, climactic moments to build up to throughout the game. The problem is that players need continuous feedback. Feedback helps players learn what works and
Good Puzzle Systems Have Multiple Types of Clue
What makes for a good puzzle system? Systems like sudoku, crosswords, and jigsaws enjoy broad popularity. Good puzzles are easy to understand but hard to solve, and they make us feel clever when
You Should Reward Topdecking
One common way to present cards to players is through a market. From a deck, a selection is placed face up, from which the player can draft the cards they want, then replace
The Best Experiments Are Functional
In games of logical induction, players perform experiments to learn how the game works. These create the reward of feeling clever for figuring out secrets, but it can be frustrating when an experiment