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.
To complement this lecture, we recommend the following reading and/or viewing:- Rules of Play, Chapters 15 - 17 (Optional)
- Careful Use of Randomness in XCom (Optional)
| February 2, 2024 | slides | no demos |