The Deepest Games Are Dumb

100goats

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?

Freeman69

I agree. My favourite games tended to be written by designers who want to play their own game. The simpler the solution (or cheats) the quicker the game loses appeal, unless you're just playing because it's aesthetically pleasing or you're getting that neurochemical reward.
The simplest way to extend the lifetime of a game is to include a random factor to the challenges, which makes it different each time and forces you to become skillful so you can adapt to varied situations. Randomness can also include the occasional no-win situation, which can make it feel more 'realistic', albeit frustrating when it happens.
The aim, perhaps, should be to create a game that can sometimes surprise its creator.

100goats

Yes, well said, Freeman69. The random factor really does make the game increase the lifetime of how long the game is fun.

The implementation of randomness in a game is difficult to get right. I have played some roguelite games where the dungeons and enemies were randomly generated, but it still felt like the same level repeated. The randomness oddly feels formulaic in those games.

daizy

Totally agree with both of you — there's something genuinely compelling about games that let failure in rather than strip it away. It's in those near-miss moments or unexpected challenges that strategy and skill truly shine.

Game randomness, when done right, adds incredible replay value. It generates situations previously unimaginable, forcing players to think, adapt, and learn — not just memorize. That "surprise to the creator" moment Freeman69 described is the hallmark of deep design.

By the way, speaking of creating immersive experiences, when I step away from dev work, I like to unwind with media that's just as thoughtfully crafted. If anyone's interested, my favorite go-to is the best streaming app; it's lightweight, ad-free, and distraction-free — perfect for recharging your brain before testing your next roguelite experiment.

Freeman69

Shame the AI didn't comment on how AI could be used to improve games.

100goats

haha yes. That would be helpful of that AI.