Uncertainty and Risk

In our second lecture on game mechanics, we look at the nature of uncertainty and risk. While it is fine to have randomness in your game, it should be handled appropriately.

In particular, one of the most important lessons to take any from today’s class is the psychological effects of randomness. Because the perception of randomness is tied to payoff, players can feel that your game is unfair even when it is not.
 
There is a recording of this lecture if you were absent due to the snow day.

To complement this lecture, we recommend the following reading and/or viewing:
February 4, 2022 slides no demos