Designing Strategy: Balancing Clarity and Complexity

This chapter explores the design philosophy behind gameplay mechanics in strategy games, emphasizing the need for simplicity and clarity in technology advancements. It discusses the balance between player preferences for granularity and the accessibility of combat systems in titles like Crusader Kings and At the Gates. The speakers reflect on the challenges of integrating historical contexts and social classes into gameplay while addressing the dynamics between single-player and multiplayer experiences.