Embracing Failure in Strategy and Roguelike Games

This chapter examines how strategy games and roguelikes approach failure and learning, contrasting the cascading failures in titles like Crusader Kings 2 with the instantaneous losses seen in roguelikes. Through discussions of various games, including Dwarf Fortress and Dark Souls, it emphasizes the emotional impact of failures and the satisfaction found in overcoming challenges. The exploration highlights the evolution of game design, encouraging players to adapt their strategies while embracing the inevitability of defeat.