Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Any meaningful challenge requires us to move between different levels of thought: big-picture strategy flows down to tactical detail, and in-the-moment observation flows back up to refine our overall plan. As games push into ever more ambitious territory, how might we bring a similar richness to game design? On Episode 31 of Vertical Slice, we’re exploring what it means to create games that support both strategic and tactical thought, and what kinds of engagement these richer designs can unlock.
Show Notes
- Show favorite Darkest Dungeon earns another mention this week for its compelling demonstration that strategic depth doesn’t require overwhelming complexity.
- Game designer David Sirlin’s Playing to Win series is a fascinating look at the strategic elements at work in the competitive fighting game scene.
- Core-A Gaming has a fascinating and clever look at the delicate balance between accessibility and strategic depth in modern fighting games. (check out David Sirlin’s new project, Fantasy Strike, at the six-minute mark.)
Image credit: Derell Licht