I came across this video by Mark MSX of Electric Underground.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOAU3SdJ68A

I largely agree with it. Modern game design tries too hard to appeal to people who are casual or new leaving little for people who invest time into a game. Modern design tries to remove failure from the equation which takes away any meaning to winning and depth in strategies to avoid failure.

I am going to follow the ideas in this video. True checkmates, failure is allowed, oppressive states (difficult problems) without clear solutions, imperfect tools that will fail.

What are your thoughts?